Hi, From what I can tell, there are no new map updates for the Ford Escape 2007 nav system (the latest is 4V). Whom can I contact at Ford to ask them their plans for providing one? Assuming that they say there will not be any, has anyone had any luck converting more recent DVDs to the CD format?

As you have discovered, the CD-based navigation technology is obsolete. When Ford offered update CDs, they cost over $200. It's doubtful that there is any relationship between the later DVD system and the CD-based system.
Now you can get a portable and update-capable GPS which is many generations ahead of the CD-based nav system for ~$125. Aftermarket GPS companies like Garmin update their road/POI maps about 4 times a year.
Since many cell phones have navigation now, in-car GPS devices may soon go the way of in-car fixed-mount cell phones.

I suggest you get more updated ford parts such as a portable and update-capable GPS, since the cd-based nav system is already obsolete. It is a better replacement. Trust me.