Can I just add to this that, for many many DNN installations, there is nothing wrong with the DNN core Friendly Url Provider.  It is fast, allows for simple rewrite rules and works with every module under the sun.   It's true it's not the best Human Friendly Url provider in terms of producing the nicest looking Urls, but for many people running DNN this isn't a problem.   To this day I am still responding to module compatibility requests for the Friendly Url Providers that I build and distribute - it simply wouldn't be possible for the core team to release something which isn't 100% compatible with every other piece of DNN software.  My customers have the ability to try out the software, and if it doesn't work for them, they can go back to the core provider.  If the core provider doesn't work, there's nowhere to go back to.  These forums are full of angst at one small bug in the core DNN Friendly Url Provider.  They would melt down if 10 were found.  The forward progress on a fundamental part of the system like the Url Rewriter/Friendly Url Provider will always proceed carefully and slowly.

-Bruce 

Very well said Bruce,

I for one find the time you give to this community very gracious. Your providers, modules and knowledge especially in the SEO arena are outstanding.

quick followup on the original question: 4.9 is out now , download & blog post

Cathal