Is Blackberry planning a BB Desktop Manager with File/Folder synchronization ?
After I synchronize my outlook calender & contacts, I generally go to My Documents and copy over all files that are updated into my SD card /documents folder. Sometimes I forget a few and miss them.

I wish there was an option in Desktop Manager to include folders in synchronization.

no love?

It seemed like just a feature request.

Since we don't know what RIM is planning to offer as enhancements, we can't answer.

is there anything this can be substituted with?

You can try this: How To: AutoSync Folders & Files Between PC and Media Card