I did read Memory, Sorrow and Thorn, Basil, and I did enjoy it. Williams took a lot of familiar elements from history and fairy tales and combined them in pretty well written epic fantasy. When I saw him a book signing back in 2001 (at the Borders bookstore in the World Trade Center mall no less) he talked about a possible sequel to that trilogy that would take place hundreds of years later in the same world, only now it would be an industrialized place where the stories of Simon and Miriamele would be regarded as fanciful legend. Odd concept, but it sounded exciting...however, he's done nothing with it thus far.
As for Song of Fire and Ice, Jonas, I can understand the lack of possible empathy for the characters, but in the last few books, the children of Eddard Stark (the Northern Lord in the first book) become more compelling and sympathetic characters. Plus, I read it more like I'm reading a history of the War of the Roses (which R.R.Martin admits he used as inspiration for the seedy, medieval world), so it was almost eerie in how real I found it. If it wasn't for the inhuman invaders from the north, a couple of instances of magic and a dragon or two, I'd almost swear the story could have been set in Europe circa the 14th Century.
Y'know, what really worries me is if something happens to Jordan before he finishes the Series. I felt that way with Stephen King's Dark Tower series, and when he was hit by that van I think I nearly fainted myself. Damn you Jordan!!! Finish the series!!!!!!