Post format that is coming in WP 3.1 is one of the worst features added to WP in the last several versions. Only one theme supports them (and very badly at that), and to make all other support similar design pattern is impossible and very hard to adopt and change thousands and thousands of themes and the way they are working for god knows how long. Post format should not be core feature at all, but it is now.

xScape and post customizations is coming in two ways: each post will allow for own layout managment, posts belonging to one term in any taxonomy will allow for own layout managment. But, problem is that it will require a lot of work and it will take several versions to iron things out. Main issue is the JavaScript needed to be loaded into the post editor, that will not be compatible with each WP default jQueryUI used, so I am considering some solutions including already tested method used in GD aZon FUSION plugin with iframe popups for settings.

Thanks! I always try to make all changes needed before WP is released.