Hmm.. i was also thinking that way. But as far as i remember other i18n projects, sometimes a simple "to" can not just be exchanged because other languages need changes at other places (like swapping words, etc.). Do you know what i mean?
Who is now for which solution?
1) original solution with html in tr-strings
2) current solution with %X to avoid html in tr-strings
3) solution from @Diapolo where we go to other way around (just tr some basic words like "to")