Replaced docstring with comments.  Prevents subclass contamination.
Added the missing __cmp__() method and a test for __cmp__().
Used try/except style in preference to has_key() followed by a look-up.
Used iteritem() where possible to save creating a long key list and
   to save redundant lookups.
Expanded .update() to look for the most helpful methods first and gradually
   work down to a mininum expected interface.
Expanded documentation to be more clear on how to use the class.