sounds like a great enhancement.
for export : $result = db_query("select nid from node order by nid asc"); print drupal_export($result, 'node_load', 'nid')); // or rather save into a file
and then on import : include_once 'distributions/default/node.import'; drupal_import($objects, 'node_save);
be careful with this. the node fields have not been sanitized at all i nthe DB. you are just including them without protection, AFAICT. there is probably an easy fix for this.
Another point I came across, is the files directory. I believe the installer should try and create it, and I also believe the distributions should be able to have default files that are copied to the directory.
yes. this is sticks out like a sore thumb given how smooth install is now.