I think I should update this thread with my findings. After installing the update for the first time, I removed the USB before the system had the time to create the xml file, thus I was unable to update the Ford site and get the map update, since according to my info, I was still on Sync2.3 and needed to get to Sync3 before updating the maps. However, every time I tried to re-apply the Sync update, the system did not recognise the USB and/or the folders and/or didn't start the update at all.
Today, after repeating the same process (formating, downloading, unzipping), and since the system apparently did not want to "see" and start the update, I performed a master reset. Lo and behold, immediately after inserting the same flash disk (which didn't work before), the system started applying the update. In about 10 minutes I saw the "Update finished' message, removed the flash disk, and indeed there now was the xml file, nice and neat in the SyncMyRide folder.
Updated the Ford site with my xml, and immediately checked for a new update. Didn't expect anything, after hearing the delays some of you guys have seen, but to my surprise, the map update showed up right away. Downloading as I write these lines, hopefully I might be able to apply the map update today (if I find the time).