pennywisdom, you're absolutely right - it's so much easier also for the coders and less time wasted, and it goes directly into designated folder.
i could be mistaken, but with a supposed xpr program underway, i really don't see the need for uploading skins in xpr formats necessarily - especially with skins integrating the custom wallpaper option. people can just update the svn and then create their own xpr prior to uploading to minimize the upload time.
and yes, this skin is really nice looking and it utilizes all of the great options xbmc has to offer.