"One can connect the Sansa in MTP (Media Transfer Protocol) mode instead of MSC (Mass Storage Class) mode, and then you can sync with Windows Media Player or whatever other ludicrously complex thing you want to do. But given as how simple it is to just drag-and-drop with Windows Explorer, and given that this accomplishes everything I want to do, why would I do something more complex? Unless I had an iPod, which you're claiming can't handle that procedure"

Exactly Phil - some of us like to drag drop and run (literally or figuratively) and waiting for an iTunes or Media Player to overly manage them is doable but completely optional (and not opted for in my case either). Had my iPod Nano allowed that I wouldn't have upgraded to more flexible Sansa's (no regrets - they're so cheap one is being charged while others in use). Likewise enjoying similar simple drag & drop (via any file copy save method) & dash out the door that my Kindle HD allows but my iPad3 won't.
B