Changes are great and highly recommended.
The new version AST 2.0 I think is the last version of the mod and was released about a year and a half ago if memory serves. Could have been in 06. Man to think that this game is still being played is mind blowing. Most of the SE IV chatter is on the official se web site now and there isn't much of that going on either.
Its safe to say that both Se IV and Se V have ran their runs and are both slowly slipping into gaming retirement.
Greatest games of all
Tribes
Tribes II
Se IV
Because of their innovations, ease of modding, originality, inspiration, and addictive game play. Other games just don't compare or lacked the qualities of these games.