While the java download manager has some virtues (download 'cart' function, download history), it adds considerable delay to the download time and as well as hassle, since java has to launch. Even citrix has sense enough to let users shortcut to non-java downloads. Further, sites like ebay and amazon, to name just a couple, have cart and history functions with asking the user to sit and wait for java to load and launch an application.
I like the cart and history functions, but doing it with java just causes delays. That really counterproductive. I understand that java is 'what everyone is doing', but inflicting delays on end users for sake of java really makes it a sacred cow. A slow sacred cow. Downloads are not faster nor are they better.