VS-100 - why doesn't it play MP3s?

I currently use an mp3 player for playing back tracks when I need to.

From what I can read the VS-100 will not play mp3s, which I think is a shame.
Many musicians are using mp3 players for back tracks nowadays.
We will all have to convert these files over to wav in order to use them with the VS-100.

There would be no need to record in mp3 format, just be able to play them.

If this were possible, the backing tracks would take up much less space on the SD card,
which would leave more space to record with.

I will be buying a VS-100 nevertheless, but if ever the software in this unit is and/or can be upgraded,
I would like to ask that it be able to play mp3s.

TerraSin, I realize that mp3 is a lossy format and agree that it should not be used for recording.

But I use an mp3 player for practicing or for playing live as a back track when alone or with a duo.
In this context, I don't feel that this amounts to any lack of sound quality that would be discernable by the average person.
Especially if the mp3s are coded at a bit rate 224Kbps or more, for example.
Is this not exactly, like you say, a finalized product for the consumer?

Even with a band that uses just a few mics, you could use it as well for playing background music when needed.
Or, why not use it instead of a small mixer for doing PA work that involves just a few mics and playing BG music?

In other words, why have to use your mp3 player, as I already do (if that is what you want to do), when the VS-100 could be able to do it. In addtion, you would be saving a stereo input for something else. No hardware changes would be needed in order to do this, so it should not really affect the price of the unit, assuming that the VS-100's firmware can be updated.

Also, the VS-100 is not intended for only production work, although I suppose it depends on your definition of production work. But one of the big selling points for the VS-100 is exactly to use it as a small digital mixer in a live situation. So, though I agree professionals could and should use the VS-100 in many situations, I don't agree that it was designed solely for professionals. I would even not be surprised if the majority of sales will be made to people not using it in making a living, IOW, amateurs, like me..

Maybe the lilcensing cost to imbed mp3 support was too much to add to the sticker price of the VS-100?
I think tascam does the same thing with one (or more) of there recorders- I agree- silly that leave it off.