I don't think there would be a demand. Podcast managers, like Podcast Addict (Android), Pocket Casts (Android), Overcast (iOS), or Juice (Windows, OSX, Linux) can download them without tedium.
Why are you trying to make this so complicated?
You don't need iTunes to download your favorite podcasts automatically. All you need is an old fashioned RSS feed (I guarantee your favorite podcasts have them) and a podcatcher program.
Podcasts aren't going to show up on the usenet because there's no need. (One exception: podcasts that cost money.)
I've been using Juice for years. It never changes but it always works.
non so se è offtopic, ma voi per ascoltare/seguire/aggregare i podcast cosa usate?
a me piacerebbe poterli inserire in liste (tipo Feedly) e far scaricare in background per poi ascoltarmeli con calma (magari in auto in mp3)... tempo fa usavo Juice (http://juicereceiver.sourceforge.net/) che poi avevo abbandonato perché aveva diversi bug (e a giudicare dal sito è rimasto indietro di qualche era geologica)...
voi cosa usate/consigliate?
You could try Juice, which is a free, open source podcast management thing. Lets you subscribe and download for later listening. Pop me a PM if you need any further help!
Juice
http://juicereceiver.sourceforge.net/
Podnova
http://www.podnova.com/
It's always nice to try force restarting the iPod while it's plugged into the computer. Flip the hold switch (regardless of current position) once or twice, then make sure it is unlocked.
It sounds like you have an iPod Classic, so hold the MENU + CENTER buttons down until you see the Apple logo to force it to restart. The iPod have basic software on them that can get locked up or frozen and cause weird issues.