You can’t “like” or “post” about a Podcast or iTunes U episode via Ping. You can’t use the Ping button to show the publisher or episode in the iTunes Store (a handy shortcut).

You can’t follow a university, or a Podcast publisher, or any one of the dozens of traditional media outlets who’ve done a real service providing their content via the iTunes Podcast ecosystem (NPR: thank you).

Think of all the conversation that could happen right in your iTunes around the countless informative and timely content these two corners of the iTunes store provide. Think of all the (arguably more worthwhile) recommendations you’re not getting from your Ping-mates. Think of all the updates and announcements those outlets could be posting in your Ping stream.

Disappointing.