I'd like to know why the patch process HAS to scan EVERY game file before downloading a new patch.
Is there any reason why, since a given patch is designed to replace and update a known set of file(s) that it can't just scan the file(s) that a given patch is designed to update, before downloading and updating said file(s)?
Also, since I've always been under the impression that Horizons SUPPORTS player Mods, such as Maps and Markers, that EVEN THOUGH the patch of the moment has NOTHING new to add (Map or Marker wise), it STILL replaces the map/marker modifications made by players and forces them to have to reinstall such modifications again?
It seems to me that both the Fastest and Best way for the patch process to run, is for the patch installer to put some kind of marked/coded file in the game directory, that identifies what version of patch was last installed, and each new patch just checks it against the new version of patch (and updates it to reflect the current version being installed), and if the version already installed on game is identified as updated to the last version of patch before the current version, then ONLY the files the new patch is designed to change need be checked, and then ONLY those files updated. If, on the other hand, the version detected by the identifier file is MORE than one version old, THEN have a full scan automatically done to make sure all files are updated (for those that have been away from game more than a couple weeks)
This way, the patch process will run MUCH faster. There will be MUCH less downloaded and installed from the servers with files the customers DON'T WANT to be replaced anyway (and will only get put back by the customers to how they had itbefore with their Mods) and if nothing else....less scanning/downloading/installing should lighten the loads from the patch servers and make the patching process a less stressfull timesink for the customer before the game.
And since there is still the option to CHOOSE to do a full scan, in case someone has any problems, I just feel that all things considered, this would be a better way of patching.
What do you think?