First of all, let me clear up some confusion.
The Ipod - does not use "encrypted" AAC files. You are confusing this with the Apple I-Tunes store, which has a policy of after buying a song (In AAC format) you can only put it on three machines. There is some encryption there to keep the 3-song limit, and I am not even sure it is encryption, but the point is made.
So AAC is just a format, MPEG-4, the same audio format used on DVD's.
Now I understand there is a licensing fee for AAC and apparently is too high to be incorporated in MC9. To bad, as a Mac User, I see it on my Friend's window XP machine and think it is a marvelous program.
That said, there is no great reason for MC9 not to be able to see AAC files both with .MP4 and .M4A extensions (PC and Mac) and download them to the IPOD even if MC9 itself can not play them.
My vote is to have this addressed as soon as possible.
Doug