But that's my point: why? I'm not saying they should implement a DNS root, I'm saying I don't see the benefit in using a new format, when:

1. The DNS packet format is compatible with existing resolvers, which eases the transition (for example, someone could use the new system without installing anything, by trusting a Namecoin resolving server) 2. It uses less space for the common use case - JSON is smaller than e.g. XML, but it's still hardly a small format. 3. It's extensible for other use cases (Tor, I2P) without bloating the common - see EDNS

Frankly, I think they're reinventing the wheel, poorly, by designing their own format.