<i>there's no reason why MacOS X shouldn't have a "refresh" command in its Finder views</i><p>What would you use it for?  It already updates in less than a second.  If you're looking for extremely up-to-date info, you're probably not a "Finder-only" user, and know how to use the terminal, so use that.<p>OSX is tiered, it doesn't give you all options at the simplest level, which is a HUGE reason for its success.  Correctly so, IMO.  No option overload, it "just works".  Want more control?  The terminal is right there.  Learn how to use it and you'll pick up better practices than mashing the refresh button.  (not implying you are, just making a general statement)