Your model seems easier at first. But it seems to depend on a simplified model of media consumption where the iTunes store is the only source of media. What if

Your model seems easier at first. But it seems to depend on a simplified model of media consumption where the iTunes store is the only source of media. What if I buy audio from someone else? What if I acquire it via a regular web download? What if it's given to me on a USB stick? What if I create audio of my own? What if I have a bunch of audio that fits on my computer, but is too big for my iPhone harddrive, and I want to be able to pick and choose what goes to what device? As soon as you run into the need to move content seamlessly between programs, devices, and services--in ways the makers didn't necessarily imagine--you need some kind of universal means of interchange. Something that is infinitely flexible and controlled by the user. As it turns out, we've had this for a while: files. Now, you can ask for tweaks to the way the filesystem is used. Want the primary interface model to be searching, rather than browsing through folders? Ok, that's great. Things like Spotlight are already a step in that direction, and they can be enhanced. Want tagging? Sure! While I don't see it heavily integrated into current operating systems, I'd imagine it would be very doable. But none of this is incompatible with the current filesystem model. It would just be a layer on top.