In what way is the SPV really obsolete? Can it not be brought up to date? I don't think a magic incantation to pull a scratchpad out of the search bar is the most elegant solution.

No I'm very sure the SPV wont become obsolete. It may lag behind the main functionality until its settled down a bit but I'm sure it won't become obsolete. At some point somebody will end up synching it over. (I'm with you about linking btw.)