I just found out something that IS a welcome change in the housing...it looks like you get the included storage with the houses again.  I just bought a small and it had 30 slots, and my Kin house that was sitting at 0 since the housing update is now at 90.

I'm seeing a pattern here.  Beginning of the year:  You've asked for it, so we are going to do it.  Huge Housing Revamp this year.  Woohoo.    Two months down the road:  I'm sorry, we lied.  We'll tell you at the beginning of next year that it will be that year. *disappointing*  (Still feeling cynical, take at face value)

Here is the link for Sapience's list of changes with Update 13 and here is the link for the letter from Aaron Campbell where he outlines future plans.

I would say that the new update contains largely good news, though perhaps it's still something of a mixed bag. In particular, the changes to the mailing system and inventory will likely be applauded, some old areas have been revamped, and there are two new ones to explore. What may upset some people (well, I was a bit disappointed at any rate) are that the larger house changes are unlikely to happen (although the price for housing inventory has been lowered) and the new class has been announced to be the Beorning.

There's a lot more in there than I just listed though, so I hope you will all look it over a bit if you have the time. =)