MetaLink RD2 XF emulator. While MetaLink says it's
not possible, I wonder if anyone has tried replacing
the RD2 chip in the emulator with an ED2 part

I do not know your emulator, but some stuff that may help.

There are two forms of emulators: Philips trick and bondout. To the best of my knowledge the "Philips trick" is a unique Philips feature that 'trick' the regular chip into "bondout mode" If you have a "philips trick" emulator, you can replace "within the family". If the chip in the emulator is a bondout (such is usually stated in the product litterature) you can not replace it. Looking through the Ceibo catalog, Because they use the "philips trick" you need only one emulator for each family normal - and Rx2 (the LPC is a bondout - different) and can replace the chip. For Atmel they seem to have several models, so you may need another "pod".

Of course, if the MetalIce is working by updating flash for every breakpoint set, all you need is to replace the chip and get new software.

Erik