No, I'm not saying "I think" that AACS may be removed, I'm saying there are actual talks within the BDA to move forth without it.
The independant studios are paying $1,000/title to use it and because it's currently mandatory, there's no choice.
That would be absolutely wonderful. That was one of my main reasons for going with HD DVD, and my #1 gripe to this day about Blu-Ray. (The replication and costs issues will be resolved over time. This requires everyone on board plus firmware updates across the board. I look forward to it.)
TLS, I hate DRM as much as everyone. However, DVD, DVD-A, SACD, HD DVD and Blu-Ray all have annoying DRM schemes. At least Blu-Ray's 4 schemes (watermarks, AACS, region coding, BD+) all have workarounds.
