Yes the hype is crazy, I thought it would have died down by now but its still going strong!

As my Dad once said to me "Horse's for coarse's".

A great saying, and it simply means this, XML isnt the only way of transporting data, it's just ONE of the many ways you can transport data! If size is a problem, then use something else. No one has a gun to anyone's head telling them they must use XML, use it when it fits best. For some applications it works great, as a data store, Im sure there are other better formats. There was some huge debate over SQL2005 handling XML data types. I couldnt see the fuss, if it doesnt work for you then dont use it, and if you want to use it, its always there as an OPTION! Dont limit yourself, you only cage yourself in. Ide prefer to have a toolbox full of tools for every occasion, I dont have to use them all, buts its always good to have it just in case?

Also dont forget that DTDs are being phased out over the "Schema", basically XML describing itsself.

Good article dude, keep it up.