The current engine does not support flowing liquid, but that doesn't mean fluids can't LOOK like they move! Water should be animated. The top/bottom can just ripple. The sides could appear to flow downward for decorative waterfalls and fountains, although if it flows downward behind glass (like in a fish tank) it would look weird. Come to think of it, though, I'm not sure you can even see the water texture if it's up against glass so that might not be an issue.
This would give water a far greater aesthetic value by making it look at least remotely real if it is placed well.
EDIT: If water were made to look like it flows in a particular direction, the block could be rotated to make it flow in the desired direction in decorative streams, pipes, etc, and in places were gravity is not "down." This would further improve its aesthetic usefulness.
This would give water a far greater aesthetic value by making it look at least remotely real if it is placed well.
EDIT: If water were made to look like it flows in a particular direction, the block could be rotated to make it flow in the desired direction in decorative streams, pipes, etc, and in places were gravity is not "down." This would further improve its aesthetic usefulness.