I could care less about the format the data is in, as long as I can access it. I want there to be higher availability of reliable data. The listed protocols are open standards which help that goal, and minimize the bandwidth cost to/from the US Government run servers. Using a cryptographic signature with an authoritative time stamp notary (like NIST or USPS). Minimal burden, minimal shared taxpayer cost, maximal distribution of valid data... You know, how the internet is supposed to be.