The old external texture method is kicked out, but most models don't use this anyway. The textures for models can be converted to tex files so there was no need for them to use the old method. From this side I think you are safe to use the new driver. Ogg is better as Mp3, because of the seamless loops. It is actually pretty easy to create a ogg out of a Mp3, however making it perfect loopable needs a bit more time but it's not that difficult either.
Sometimes it is necessary to kick out features to prevent users to use these outdated method. Men are lazy when it comes to stuff like this. They often acting extra stupid and try to find explanations why the old way to do things is better as the new one. That's why some moders refuse to use 7th Heaven, because they think they have to learn many new things. But in fact it is easier to use as lgp tools and if you digging more into the functions of the program you are very pleased with its extra abilities.
Are you talking about an online update service?
Not that entirely. It's more the ability that I can update and maintain the mod directly without the need that I have to wait that someone is create a new bootleg version with my changes. It means faster feedback for me and lesser stress for PitBrat, Vgr and EQ2Alyza. But it would be nice if the new Bootleg has a download helper, so we download only mods which we want to use (and not a 30GB big torrent only to be on the safe side).
