Apart from the odd moment of weakness I will always try and check out the authors website for notes about changes etc - though sometimes there is no hint of a changelog :(
Personally I wish the upgrade process would pause once it has downloaded the zip file and display the readme file (and / or perhaps a changelog file) - and only resume installation once the file has been scrolled through / read and a button pressed.
Having a link to the readme file of each plugin on the plugin page might also be quite useful, and I think I have seen a plugin that does that (and more) - but I can't remember the name of it.
Just catching up with all of your podcasts - which are great, this one in particular is fantastic and reminded me of my own walking trips. I can highly recommend the Coast to Coast walk - I have blogged about my trip at http://cjw.me.uk/?p=54 - it was one of the most social walks I have done meeting a whole host of people. This year I hope to do the Pennine Way...