This is almost a philosophical issue in the news media. Is the intent of an RSS to direct people to the content or is it meant to BE the content? Many users would argue that this RSS should enable the reader to see the content own their terms. But as you say, the click through rates are less than that of a traditional web interface. (This is even worse on a mobile device as you have to hop on to the/a network to connect to the original content.) As a user, I see the benefits of RSS for the companies, as I am often am drawn in to the web site to follow up on content. Again measurement is a key element to demonstrate the true value of the media.
When I first found RSS, I was really excited about the possibilities on mobile platforms. Instead of trying to cram web pages onto a screen that is too small, I found that using an RSS feed makes it easier to present the information in a way that is conducive to reading on a small screen. (I often switch fonts depending on where I am, big font for vehicles etc, smaller font for when I am stationary.)
I am still waiting for an easy to use software solution that will present my content in a personal newspaper like manor, ideally in the order of interest. We'll have to wait for Jeff Hawkins to get his artificial intelligence sorted out.
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Will customers and readers push back hard enough to prevent all this content provider "iron hand" control from taking over content on the web, and especially for mobile devices? I don't know. Without the pushback, it could be bleak, but even sites like Google which you mentioned, are helping with the pushback by providing alternate sources of the information repackaged. But even that is being threatened by legal challenges, so who knows where this will all end up!
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I'm afraid this comes down to the "monetization" of the medium. If people start making money in advertising in feeds it will entice marketers to use the media more. (As banner ads have done for the web.) I believe the blogosphere will "push-back" to encourage companies and media outlets to use RSS creatively and effectly for their communication purposes. Right now it is a pretty niche group of folks that understand and use RSS to it's full advantage.
As for the Google law-suits in Europe, I don't think the sky is going to fall on us just yet. Restricting search engines to the extent that the news agencies are suggesting is absolutely absurd. As long as google directs people to the FULL content, and offers a summary they should be safe. (Disclamour: I'm not a lawyer, I just speaking from my gut feeling.)
Thanks for the interesting discussion. I enjoy your articles Bob, keep them coming.