You're right, the files are big. But the 10MB zip file contains a whole bunch of utils for preparing the memory card. You don't need to install all of the files onto the card. This link shows how you can set up the card with around 2MB of files. http://ps2.mike-tv.com/wiki/index.php?titl..._.28untested.29
Yeah, I didn't want to start another thread explaining the whole thing again. I haven't tried it out yet (haven't got a spare memory card), but since it is homebrew, I am guessing that it is ok to link here http://www.zshare.net/download/12278779e69e5f95/ That's the latest 1.1 beta. You can put it on any ps2 memory card afaik.
There's been some development on this front: http://www.psx-scene.com/forums/freevast/5...-continues.html It's now possible to run homebrew on an unmodded ps2 without using the ps1 memory card exploit.
No, it's not just you. I taste it too. Especially if there is a drastic difference in the taste, I'd spit it out. Try drinking distilled water. Dunno if you are in the USA, but I definitely tasted the difference in water over there. And the Americans put that into their soft drinks/soda too. Tastes weird. And corn syrup in Coke? That's just wrong.
Yeah, I agree with you. Following Sega, I reckon Capcom (Final Fight, SF2), Konami (Gradius), Atari (Gauntlet, Toobin', 720') then Taito (Bubble Bobble).