I think the icon system is unique for AmigaOS and needs to be kept, but i think myabe a different format for them, would be a good idea.
I very much agree on that. The possiblity of keeping seperate icons for seperate files is one of THE great things I love about Aos. The notion that all icon files should be put in a single drawer gives me the creps. Aos 4.0 is intended for g3 600 mhz and above (and some 603/604) Why not use this and implement a fast packing rutine to the icon.lib instead.
On a 80 gb harddisc. I can spare 20 mg for icons easily :-D