[CombatSquirrel]

I still have somewhat mixed feelings about the Gold Edition.
I love SEIV, been having a whale of a good time playing. And the modding level, the ability to customize and recreate so many of the variables, has been a real treat for a creative, obsessive like myself.
I've been looking for a game with this level of complexity and depth of features most of my gaming life it seems.
And even better is the user support group I've found here and at other sites. I hadn't seen this level of involvement and feedback in a long time. The difference seems to be that with the Space Empires series, the user's opinions actually matter. In my short time here, I've seen ideas proposed, debated and actually implemented into the official product in a matter of a couple weeks. That is absolutely amazing. I received my copy in October, and I've already seen the updates flowing like maple syrup from the tree.
I will buy the Gold Edition, because I support the Space Empires series, and really like the game, but my SEIV copy is still shiny new, and I don't actually believe that the new modifications from 1.49 to Gold Edition are worth the cost of essentially buying the same (great) game twice in half a year. I think the game is worth more than I payed for it the first time (especially counting the free updates and Shrapnel support I've leeched so far), but that is a different story. That's just my opinion, and I have to admit that I am unable to use the new internet multiplayer features that feature so prominently in the Gold update.
Also, I am worried about an impending sense of abandonment in the support that I've seen for those who do not go Gold. What will happen to those who don't, or can't, huddle the "Gold Divide"? Will any new mods or future updates that use the Gold Standard ever be useable by those left behind?
Anyway, that's my nickle's worth, and its a pleasure to know that someone actually will listen.

CombatSquirrel