I've just updated the source code in the repository (https://github.com/hach-que/Collate) to support reading a wallet via Block Explorer which means you now don't have to run the BitCoin server or leave your wallet unencrypted to do so (since it must be unencrypted for the BitCoin server to run).

So in summary, it's a much safer way of viewing your wallet from Collate since you don't have to leave your wallet unencrypted (and you shouldn't).  The main differences between the Block Explorer and the RPC-based plugin is that the former can't report or control local mining (but who does CPU mining these days?) and it also can't send coins on your behalf.

I've also merged the BTCGuild mining pool plugin from Wonderbread into the system, so that's built-in now for anyone using that mining pool.

This is the RC to the v0.2 release, however it's appreciated if people test the version in the repository so I can iron out any final bugs before packaging for the Chrome Web Store.