XML Maps

I had an idea to add an attribute to the actors that would link actors together. All actors with the same value in this attribute would effect each other. ie Switch #2 will open door #2...all doors marked #2...could even trigger event #2 for a crescendo or something. An idea with a lot of potential. Plus it will cut down on a lot of code (as in I wouldn't have to put any code behind individual switches as they would all use the same code).
With this came the problem of storing the value. Rather than add a new layer to my binary format maps. I decided to break free of the binary format (which is based heavily on Wolf3D maps) altogether and use XML. So thats what today was wasted spent on. But the end result is much more flexible.