I like your Cable Magic post. I was hoping one of the beta teams would print something like that, since the DIO connections no longer have a lock.
I have a suggestion to possibly improve the DIO cabling further by using Latching Polarized (LP) Connector Housings like these
1x3 Female Housings. At first glance, it seems that with a few cutouts for the latch and the notch, Cable Magic could be modified to accept both LP and standard PWM connectors. The question really is if the resulting part would be rigid enough with less plastic, and withstand repeated latching.
I have used the LP connectors in prior years for intermediate sensor and solenoid connections. They have done a good job of preventing accidental disconnects and reverse connections (we had a really bad year with electrical tape covered PWM intermediate connections so we decided to upgrade). I really like the prospect of individually latching DIO channels on the RoboRIO, not sure if it is feasible until I get a test unit. Any insights you and the other beta teams could provide would be much appreciated.