Anyhow, just blathering because I'm excited about Orcas (yes, I am a geek and I know it) and thought someone here might have some interest.
Well Keith, it's about 2:0x AM and I'm installing ORCAS on my mule machine. I've been looking into LINQ, it's ORM and how MS has linked LINQ and the ORM together, makes it very exciting.
As you said, the funny thing is that, now the data and coding is coming back together, the way I did it 20 years ago (not in VFP).
I think the way you write code in LINQ feels so natural and you don't have to deal with SQL and ADO anymore.
I think there is a GREAT opportunity for SF to tailor their ES to work with this technology. Right now, there is nothing out there that will allow a 3-tier system with LINQ. I think ES for LINQ will make a killer product. Not to mention the RBS and DDT. These three products will be a great complement to LINQ.