Having taken a look through Palantir and read the Users manual, I have a couple questions:
1) A How Does It Work question:
Is my presumption correct that only new information gleaned from xml's will be updated? Such that, after I import the next turn's data, whatever information I have manually updated or whatever will simply remain, with the "information as of turn XX" listed?
** Correct.
2) A Future Update concern:
The map. I don't want to rain on a parade, but while that new map that was created a while ago is very attractive from a distance, it isn't very functional, IMHO. 25 different colours make it difficult for other than the best printers to deal with, is hard on the eyes, etc. The legend is, therefore, too large, and the compass is, well, an esthetic frill that is mostly in the way of my Rhuduarian off-map major towns from which I descend onto my Rhun/Iron Hills enemies regularly.
** We can look at the Compass. You can use the simple colour scheme to have DS/FP/Neutral/Unknown if you want. That's in the User Guide. When printing it colour it's fine. We had a few complaints and then when the playtesters got used to it they liked it. Takes a little getting used but some players find it more useful. If you don't like it use the Simple colour scheme.
I'm asuming the Simple colour scheme will print such that it will be easy to decipher the 3 allegiances. But what about the Nation who owns the pop printed on the pop? The Name of the pop can come in handy, but might be better left to a search feature where I can try to find "Falling Rapids City" when a rumour tells of huge gold shipments there, but is otherwise a frill, no? But, when I'm plotting where my training agents should go for some stealing, all I really want to know is Allegiance and then Owner.
At some point we'll work on tying in Rumours with PCs - it's a work in progress so will take time but we'll keep it in mind. (It's already been brought up).
What are the odds?
Of what? 
Clint