The fact that "Address Book" doesn't use ASCII text for data is the reason I don't use it. IMHO, all applications files on a computer should be either text or binary files, as interpreted by a human. If I can't read a data file as some form of text from an application, I generally don't like to use it.
Solution: Create your own "Address Book" in TextEdit. Just make one huge RTF file. Most word processors can read RTF format so all your formatting, i.e., bold, italics, etc... are not lost if you must transfer the data to another wordprocessor/text editor. Just use the "find" feature in TextEdit to find your "stuff". Making big BOLD letters will help you visually scan through the file. This works better for me instead of clicking buttons and adding data fields hither and thither. AND you can just add notes about whoever is in your "Address Book" as well as add pictures. What a concept.
chemistry_geek