It did cross them, though, at the time of orbit insertion. Then, the low probability thing kicked in.

The interpretation of some of the results is questionable. Expect anomalously high temperatures to be found at the "plume" source sites, too high to be caused by gravitationally induced flexing. I suspect it's a charged particle flux that is part of the larger Saturnian circuit that is causing the outflow.

I do have a bone to pick, though… This article sloppily quotes;

"Trace amounts of organics have also been detected, raising tantalizing possibilities about the moon's habitability."

By "organics", I assume you mean organic chemicals or do you mean organic material – which has a completely different meaning? If you mean organic chemicals, these are not necessarily used, created, nor evidence of, biological processes. I.e. Formic acid, formaldehyde, or chloroform are all organic chemicals. Organic chemistry is preferably defined by have some carbon atoms in there structure.

The use of "organic" with living organisms comes from the now abandoned idea of vitalism (founded in 1820's) that attributed a special force to life that alone could create organic substances.
I.e. The theory that the origin and phenomena of life are dependent on a force or principle as specifically distinct from purely chemical or physical forces.

As a broader comment many authors and bloggers within this site, and in general media, seem to have continuing problems distinguishing chemistry (specially organic chemistry) and biology. Whilst chemical reactions might be a fundamental aspect of biology, they are not exclusively indicating life or a biological processes. Also this current popularist obsession in wanting to find living or historical life forms away from the Earth has generated almost a border-line quasi-scientific approach to the evidence of biology. Often, statements such as this one I'm discussing here are only written to promote some immediate response to the reader – mainly to make them read the article to its end.
The fact Enceladus might have liquid water and even traces of organic compounds, as you say, is interesting. However, then going on to the statement that there are; "tantalizing possibilities about the moon's habitability" has no basis in fact nor evidence. I.e. You can still have liquid water, organic compounds or a some liquid solution containing both, and still have a sterile environment completely devoid of any life.

"the cassini mission makes up for decades of NASA mediocrity"

Possibly warranted to a certain extent, but pretty harsh! What about Pathfinder, Galileo, Spirit & Opportunity, the 4 Great Observatories, MRO, Ulysses etc. I know they are fewer and further between than would be good, but…

I guess things were a bit dry before that though. Here's to the future…

I hope they try to get at least one super close up shot inside one of the tiger stripes. Imagine the resolution from only 15.5 miles! :-0

have a nice day // Assi from sweden