@jcompagner: 1. I'm using the portrait.py that was posted in the forums some time ago, which listens to messages sent by the MCE daemon to notify of orientation changes. I do have a feeling that some messages are not sent under some circumstances. Not an area I know much about, but I'll try to poke at it.
2. I'd like to add some loading indicator as well. But i'm kind of waiting for PR1.2 to see what will be available in regards to the Qt libraries, and possibly make the switch to that for the UI, like sorodoros said.

@cipper: you can actually trigger an update by starting the app with the command:
"FeedingIt update" (without the quotes) from the X-terminal, or by changing the app shortcut (not sure if there is an easy way to do so, other than editing the .desktop file).