"PS...what's the best way of keeping tabs on the development of this specific functionality? "

join the mailing lists - http://silverstripe.com/mailing-lists/ the Core dev one is where the future for SS is mapped out

I second that

Just write to tell my exitement and of course subscribing
But I also have some suggestions.

Got the details from link writes down what I actually think for.

Following the changes on pages and just pushing that and files under it (picture, flash etc) e. It will let huge sites to move easily and also let to manage tons of sites under one non public domain or localhost.

But have something to ask.

1. The template (didnt tried cos I got a memory halt)
Will it use a central template and add content inside it with iframe etc? Or each page got the whole code of template?
Cos compiling with template will cause huge site to have bigger files and longer upload (push) timings. And also must think about compatibility matters about some templates.
With that the resources on server also be nice, just pushing the (ready) html code.

2. What about dynamic pages like subscribing form, mailforms, forums etc?
I belive that the iframe solution is also nice in here. If there will be implemented function (selection), the SS cms lets some pages work from the main server. Can let some pages with just adding iframe codes to the files to push. which targeting the main installation.

My opinions cant go far from here cos I'm not a coder. But seems SS team got already think about most of needs.

Really nice work.
Will push competitors out of water.

Regards