Hopefully, we can eventually replace those large internal systems that process Word documents with real tools that can search and categorize the structured data.
However, any time someone does that, that's a part of the process that isn't taking place on JobSpice.
This is the real reason not to offer Word export. They can try to convince HR departments to use JobSpice for their resume filtering and searching needs, instead of just a place to download resumes into their internal systems and never returning to use other services.
Until then though, lack of Word export is a liability for people who build their resumes on your site.
That is, rather than trying to create valid XML, just call a method on an empty open office doc that say 'creteHeading("abc")'
And so on... Of course probably it won't work, but it is the only hope I see on the horizon. (My problem is actually going from LaTex to Word).
However, one thing you might want to do is just generate a "standard format" Word doc (without all the fancy layout/design/template). This way, those that really, really need a Word version (or think they do), will have it.