I have just released BetterZip 1.6. The new version fixes some bugs, prevents BetterZip from hanging at two possible points, enhances Leopard compatibility, introduces a major speed-up when opening larger archives, and it gives you the option to directly extract an archive by double-clicking it in the Finder. Find all the details in the version history.

Speaking of direct extraction: I changed the keyboard shortcut from Command to Control+Command. For keyboard users the Command key was not a viable solution, since the key combination for opening a file from the Finder is Command+Down Arrow. Of course, BetterZip always detected the pressed Command key, and always started a direct extraction. Ugh. Pressing only Control on the other hand is not an option for mouse users, since holding Control and clicking will activate the contextual menu. Finally, holding down the Option key while clicking will close the active Finder window, and holding Shift will (possibly) change the selection before opening the archives.
A tricky situation, but Control+Command should work for everyone, and the new combination will quickly find its way into your muscle memory. Or you can use the new option on the General tab in the preferences window.