Things are getting worse:
http://www.nutrition-matters.co.uk/free_docs/changingdietconsequences.htm
There's an interesting comment about flooding restoring nutrients.
I had more than that this evening. Five potatoes, several asparagus spears, two or three twigs of broccoli and a tomato. Must have been about 13 or 14 portions
I think they're 'better than nothing' but any indications of location are going to be very approximate. The latest change of search area to one further north is because they have decided that the plane was flying faster in the early phases where they could track it so it would have used up its fuel earlier. It's quite possible that no trace will ever be found.
I don't mind what position we're shown as long as we get a decent coverage. I always record the show and watch the recording after it's started. That way I can skip through the analysis.
I think they later changed their interpretation of this. I think the ACARS reported every 30 minutes and the next report was due after the last ATC contact so they don't know exactly when it was deactivated. I can't remember when the transponder was turned off but I'm sure the ATC would have mentioned it.