This is depressing to read.. it was SO much easier in Oblivion.

Eh it defeated me. I was fine until the GECK stuff - the media set didn't seem to load the files, and the media location controller didn't seem to load the media set, and then the ESP no longer had MAST...nah I'll wait for the CK thanks.

Just an addition:
meanwhile there is a tool for XWM handling: http://www.skyrimnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=3159
Using this, you no longer need to download the whole Direct X SDK or search for an "alternative" download of xWMAEncode.exe.

Yes, the system is much less flexible to modify than it used to be, but it's superior for atmosphere, as gamesas (or a modder) can specifically define which songs are going to be played in any situatuon, so no more jolly wandering sounds that ruin an area's dark mood.

Just a couple of weeks left before we have to stop playing the game and start modding. I bet a random-music-payer will be an early CK-mod, but personally, I'm quite content with the current music. Some of the old Morrowind songs are back, and some of the new songs seem to be ripped right out of my Morrowind folder.