Andy,
I think, I understand your point fully.
It is quite true that the way RAW data has been stored is peculiar to individual CCD or CMOS, hence the software has to be equipped with a sort of 'key' to read those files.
In my opinion, DNG format is a standard method of above-referenced 'key' so that any data
can be read as far as the format follows the DNG method. Which means Adobe Photoshop CS2 can read M8's RAW file without up-dating the Camera RAW, since it shall be a concept of what DNG format aimed at.
However, I still believe that the Camera RAW must be up-dated for some reason which I just can not identify now.
Sorry, it is not a direct answer to your question
