The Object data type can be used to communicate data to and from extensions, but isn't much of use otherwise. Furthermore, it is not possible to use an Object as attribute in a structure, and I'm not sure whether Objects should be possible in a List (they are, but kinda via a workaround, even as attribute). Also, many Forge components dealing with generic data force the user to use RecordLists, as there's no other way to alter data in an extension. My proposal:
1) Allow structure attributes of type Object;
2) Officially allow Lists (and Record Lists) of type Object;
3) Have a FromObject function that reverses ToObject (and throws an exception when incompatible types are used), so extensions that manipulate generic data (e.g. XML Records) can output Records as well as Lists.
An Object will never be a "first class citizen", but they have their uses, and the proposals above would make the life of the advanced developer a little bit better when dealing with abstract data.