The problem with archiving old data formats is not, IMO, archiving the old data. I think there are some solutions out there now that are answering that challenge nicely. The kyroflux usb adapter is a good example. I just found out about that project and am interested in reading more about it. But I digress- I think the bigger issue is that the software being imaged (at least with games) is often time protected with intentional floppy disk problems. Whether it's messing around with the sector structures, or causing intentional disk read errors- even if you can properly read these things (where errors are at, etc), that doesn't help you much. You have to be able to properly EMULATE the system for the archived material to actually run.
So the direction I'm wondering is whether or not something like DOSBox could be adapted to support such low level floppy access modes through an emulated floppy interface, or an actual floppy interface. An emulated one would require coming up with an archiving format (IMG, etc) that properly supported various "illegal" floppy situations. A hardware approach would be a driver to something like the KyroFlux hardware that supported the required low level access controls. Running in something like DOSBox that is a completely emulated environment separates you from the low level access protections that the host OS (windows, linux, etc) may impose.
I ventured earlier tonight in some quick research on whether such a project was possible. Stumbled across KyroFlux, and then this forum thread. So I'm fairly new in knowing what's actively being pursued out there. If anyone would like to steer me in a direction that might already be solving the problem I'm discussing, I'd be all ears.
To be clear, a hardware-interface solution would only be good as long as the hardware (disk and drive) worked. Fine for now, but another 15 years, maybe not. A data image format that properly includes copy protection scheme characterization however, would be even better for long term data preservation and execution. DOSBox goes a LONG way for us today. Can it (or something else) be leveraged just a "little bit farther" to include copy protected media emulation???
cheers,
..dane