Folders (Collections) are non-tangable outside of google docs. So, yes, a google account is required to see a whole folder.
Binding users to the google realm? not really. As I said the folder interface is in google docs -so you need an account to see the folders.
You can share individual files with any email account as an attachment. Look under the share menu in the uppe right of your document. Or use the new Actions drop down in your document list. Choose "Email as an attachment".
Having a google account isn't actually a bad idea.
For whole bundles of files, it behooves you to have your recipient get a google account. You can even set one up on your domain for him and send him the credentials. Don't call it a google account -it's an online account with your company. It's required to access information. -I'm sure your Bank made you get one when you tried to manage your money online with them
If he isn't viewing the documents online in the Google Docs ecosystem, he's missing out on collaboration and the "one original" features that make it a no-brainer. If you create an account for him, he can even do things like subscribe to changes in existing docs -so he get's an email when you change something etc.
You just can't do this stuff with a zipped folder attachment full of docs that will eventually go stale.
