Cherokee,

No logic? Well, you're entitled to your opinion... however, I don't agree. I'll try to explain why.

We've had complaints about file size (smaller than this) from some of our customers. Many of which involve their slow [dial up] connections... and not being able to complete the download because they are dropped by their ISPs. Whether from being idle too long, or because the server is trying to make room for others trying to connect and they get the boot, or one of the many other reasons we've been given. We cannot change their ISPs policies, but we can try and make it a little easier for them to get the product they purchased.

Combined, the file size is approximately 35MB+. Broken up they are approximately 6MB, 16MB and 17MB. Many of those who complained about a 30MB+ file size stated that they did much better with 20MB or less. Yes, the updater adds a bit of overhead, BUT all three file sizes mentioned above... are less than 20MB. Hence the logic; those without connection issues get all files required by the product AND those with connection issues get all files required by the product AND we protect our interests by verifying they are entitled to the files.

If we placed the installers themselves on the site as you suggest, there would be no way to verify that the person downloading them purchased the product they are intended to compliment. Being that they contain a substantial amount of the product itself (ALL maps, 45 of them), it is paramount that the existence of the core files be verified.

If the store software we are currently using supported the ability to allow more than one file to be linked for any given product, this whole thing would be a non-issue... we'd simply link all the appropriate files at checkout. This isn't an option at the moment... BUT, to quote Steve's response to the "before I shop at DAZ probably dumb question" thread, above this one. He says "This was a bit of an experiment. We're trying to do what we can to ease the download problems on our site. We've been looking into several options, this is simply one. We've used this in the past on certain product updates and never had any complaints, so we thought we'd give it a try on a more mainstream product. But, do not fear, we've just recently found an even better solution and that should not be more than a month away (I say a month because this "new solution" includes TONS more changes to our existing store as there are several aspects of it we're in the midst of improving".

I hope it makes a bit more sense, now that you're a little more aware of the reasoning behind it. That said, its late... I'm headed to bed.

-Rob