i came to a similar thought as time went on. there are other apps that one can texture from.

I think you can create an empty map and edit it. the map can not be created inside pS. dont know about Z Brush, I have them and some tuts but no time to learn

as you say, its cool to work straight into PS from maya for rendering and the like. one can convert frames to layers, meaning that a filter can be applied in a broad stroke, liquiefy and such.

cloning a video is cool, rotoscoping and onion skinning is poss too.

ramifications?? dont know, but its a quantum leap for PS and the whole integration of the CS3 system is quiet amazing.

M