Downloadable retail needed?

[reverend]

Personally, I don't like download-versions of games.

I prefer to have a professionally pressed CD/DVD, a decent printed manual (esp. with a game like Dominions) and not be hassled with any kind of online activation.

I tried the download-method with UBI (Pe-2 add-on for Pacific Fighters) and I am not impressed. It took just as long for them to confirm my download (because I don't have a credit card, they have to wait until my bank transfers the money before they can confirm the download - shipping is faster, they ship and request the money from my bank at the same time), the installation with the installer and activation was tedious and in the end, I had to burn my own CD so I can reinstall without all that.

Don't get me wrong, it may work for Stardock. But if you can't guarantee that it works perfectly, better don't offer it at all. A bad download-platform and activation procedure is worse than no download at all.

Also, Shrapnel would have to offer more options for payment.