[DRG]

Stian said:
When it comes to the security features Andy mentions, I have a couple of comments;

I actually believe it would be useful if this was allowed - I've had to use it several times (in spwaw)in the past when my opponent has forgotten to use the slot we've agreed on. Instead of him having to start and play again I could just rename the files. Also, with the reduced number of PBEM save slots in the free version this is even more important.

It's REALLY not too difficult to agree to use slot "X" before starting the game is it? Allowing players to change slot numbers allows cheaters to florish. It allows players to set up two parallel games. It may not seem a big deal now but cheating used to be a serious problem to the point where people gave up playing PBEM and it's not anymore because of the anti cheating measures introduced. It's one of those " people who forget history are bound to repeat it" type of issues. Yes, sometimes they get in the way of things, that's true of any kind of security. One problem we are having which I think accounts for some of these reports is people are forgetting WinSPMBT is NOT WaW. Different game, Different designers, Different base code. They are not the same game and "procedures" that worked for WaW like renaming PBEM's to a different slot simply does not work in WinSPMBT

Stian said:

I have an opponent who usually plays one turn at work and then one in the evening at home. With the security in WinSPMBT this would not be possible for him.

I think that these features have been really well thought out by the developers and that they work really well for stopping cheats. At at the same time I believe they are a bit too paranoid and cause too much harm than good, especially since they obviously go wrong occasionally.

If they were more forgiving we wouldn't have to lose a savegame because of some minor mishap or bug. After all, it's only a *game*

Stian

The problem with allowing players to play secure PBEM on two machines is because unscrupulous players can play out a turn over, and over, and over and send you the one after they know where all your hidden tanks and ATGM are because they sent out their units on suicide missions the first three times to draw fire and now know where your units are.

If you feel your opponents can be fully trusted to play fairly then simply do not use the secure PBEM. However, all you need is one time where that arty sure seems to be right on target to trigger your own paranoia and it may or may not be misplaced but you'll always wonder if he did cheat. With secure PBEM you never have to wonder if your "buddy" is just a good player or he's been screwing you over.

Don