Card readers are certainly an option, especially since they make some which are indeed FW and not necessarily too expensive. In fact the only reason I have not one yet is because I have been convinced that at least a "pro-sumer" camera would be around the corner with FW. Readers are nonetheless another piece of hardware and too me it does not add much to practicality. More stuff on your desk and also, note that you still need another cable except that instead of going from camera to pc it goes from the reader to the pc. At least the cable for my camera I keep it in a drawer 🙂
Sony, which has been a pioneer in FW products, just introduced their top of the line pro-sumer camera WITHOUT FW and this is why I am now less convinced they are indeed around the corner. May be I should get one of those readers !?