[snip]
I don't like that message has been added to the core sitemap tags. How about adding separate tag (ant-like):
<map:debug message=".... {1} ....."/>
It's easier to add/remove (comment/uncomment) a tag than an attribute.
Or, arguing syntax even more: ;)
<map:log level="debug|info|warn|foo">this is a message, substitution: {1}</map:log>
or even
<map:log level="foo" message="bar: {1}"/>
Vadim
Tony