Hi Kovid,
This article is of some interest and could very adversely affect Calibre.
I personally love using the cover-flow system and will be sad to see it go if, indeed, it has to.
http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/08/a...on-cover-flow/
Hope it's not too big an issue. You have made such an awesome product and it will be sad if corporate entities are able to limit you in your creativeness.