although your comments about steam are valid, the answer would be (should Bis choose to be a distro company as well) to offer the 'thing' by post for $5 + handling.
One way or other, distributors need a medium, and snail mail would be the easiest answer backed by internet logins (on modems)
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The way i've read the posts from bis, cm, and here is that Codemasters no longer wanted to fund bis into eternity. Ie the length of string was becoming immeasurable. Bis simply and clearly didn't have enough on the table Q4, 2004, for CM to keep the funds coming. (probably a reflection on a cash strapped Codemasters, than faith in bis per se)
So I wouldn't read a 'falling out' over this.
In the meantime, what bis clearly do have is an OFP:AA, I choose the lexicon deliberately. Armed Assault will be very much in the vein of OFP:R, meaning enhancements and extra functionality to the engine, just as resistance did.
Yes, the (marginally improved) graphics will be an added 'feauture' of ofp:aa, over and above the changes made with the Resistance expansion pack, but, all-in-all it's ofp with a new skirt.
I think that aa will be a reality folks AND that it wont be ready for prime time either, it will be an "oh shit, we're out of funds" release.