One of the cool features that ES_SandyMan confirmed on the AoK board is a Record Game option. While he didn't go into details, presumably it allows you to watch the game unfold from an omniscient perspective, complete with resource information from *ALL* players. I would assume that these files could then be shared, so that cheaters can be confirmed and "outed". If done right, there will be no way to 1) hide the fact that you're cheating and 2) to forge the Replay so that it appears someone else cheated.
Furthermore, let's give Ensemble some credit here. It is unlikely that they did not learn from previous bugs. Anyone willing to bet that a 2 town-center bug will be found? I'm not saying there won't be bugs, but I would be willing to bet that the most egregious AoE/RoR bugs will not be present. I won't bet on trainers, though.
Why do you claim that AoK will lag more than AoE? Why do you think only people with cable modems will play?
Please, people, let's back up our claims instead of starting FUD Wars (Fear, Uncertainty and Doubt). As heard [sic] on USENET: "CITE, PLEASE!"Someone else has stated MS/ES is working on a patch. I don't know if that's true or not. I will say this: If I were in charge of AoE/RoR/AoK, my absolute first priority would be to get AoK out before Chistmas (e.g. Oct/Nov). Period. AoK represents a much larger revenue stream for MS/ES. If I could spare the resources to patch AoE, I would. One more thing that you should be aware of: the patch will likely still contain bugs. It is IMPOSSIBLE to produce (non-trivial) software that is bug free. Ask anyone with a CS background what the "Halting Problem" is and you'll see why.
I don't mean to pick on you, or anybody else. I tend to be a bit overly precise, so bear with me. When you say "patch the trainer", that means that you want the trainer improved. I doubt this is what you want.
I'm with you, though. I'd love to have the patch ASAP.
Cheers,
Slak------------------
Never ascribe to malice that which can adequately explained by ignorance.
-Robert Heinlein