Pesonally, I don't think it makes much difference. It possibly dilutes the market but at the same time I think that co.uk will become more significant.
This new change (if it happens) is a bit like the potential release of all these new extensions coming up in future such as .accountant, .insurance, etc.
A good ".com" or "co.uk" always has value in the name, especially if they are generic and not too long. Also, something to consider about .uk - For example "yourdomain.co.uk" name can be held by anyone and developed as a site. While the "yourdomain.uk" version can only be held by a business and how does a business qualify to register that domain? If its a generic like shoes.uk then who gets that name - M&S, Nike, Tesco, Shoezone, etc??
I am planning on attending one of the session to be held in London. If you have any specific questions then do let me know - but please pm me as we are now moving away from the subject of this thread. My Site Review