There is a new project started called "klik" ( see:
http://dot.kde.org/1126867980/ )
This project aims to build cross-Linux, end-user packages that you will be able to download & run without installing anything, and after you decided you don't want this or that app anymore you just send that app into a recycle bin, and it's gone.
The main philosophy of this project is 1 app = 1 file
This klik system isn't a replacement for RPM but it's a complimentary that allows to run additional packages on your Linux box that aren't available as RPMs for your distro.
Currently it's in early stages, but it already works on SUPER SUSE, SUSE Linux 10, Debian Sarge, Knoppix, Kanotix and Fedora Core 4. (+ it has a potential to run on Mandrake and other distros)
If anybody want to try it out, and speak with other-klik users you are invited to the #klik IRC chat at the Freenode server.
any feedback ?