RUDEBOY  Call this an update: I was kind of hard on this before. But I really do love this.

I'm still using Star without any real problem, as long as I don't play around looking for links to the original developer I won't be reminded that no updates are available. But they're not necessary anyway.

Works with iTunes 9.   
(Version 1.3.1)

RUDEBOY  Always liked this little menubar thingie for rating your iTunes library. I really love not having to bring iTunes to the front to rate the current song.

But why is the link in the "About Star" window now taking me to a gawdawful parked domain called Improvpastence.com? Quite ugly, perhaps even evil.

Oh, and turn off the "Check For Updates" preference or you'll be prompted for downloads that never happen.

Not sure about the stability issue. I get some ugly crashes when running iTunes sometimes. But that could be iTunes, couldn't it.  
(Version 1.3.1)

RUDEBOY  Hijack IT requires Audio Hijack Pro and Growl to convert protected AAC files (purchased iTunes songs) into the more portable and compatible MP3 format -- Automatically!

Once all the pieces are in place, this combination will make your life a whole lot easier. Just make a playlist of the songs you want converted and launch Hijack IT and let the software do it's thing.

There are other ways to get your music back, but none as slick as this combination. Very nice.  
(Version 2.7)