>An update only seems to fix stuff that is badly WRONG
>but never adds a useful new feature even though it's 
>only needs firmware. Why is that?

two reasons -

1. there is no more ROm space for new firmware

2. You never paid for the IP for the new feature in the first place.
-- 
http://www.piclist.com PIC/SX FAQ & list archive
View/change your membership options at
http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/piclist