Thanks - I understand all of that, and am well aware how/where to get the updates. I was just looking for input from other coders regarding the flexability and durability of the codes compared to each other.. Frankly, I am not 100% impressed with the plugin system, and prefer the old 3.0.X ways of manually editing files/templates, but maybe that's just me. The database/site seems a lot more stable on 3.0.X as compared to 3.5.X, so I was hoping it was better in 3.6.X. Also- I am still curious as to what justifies a new product line. They are still supporting 3.5 at the same time they develop 3.6, so there must be something major to distinguish one from the other.
You see...the plugin is way better than going for each file re-editing and reuploading...
an example: Ushop and Ucash for 3.0.x was a pain in the rear when it came to re-editing the whole .php files...especially when u have some modification done to it...if u make a mistake..you have to reupload a new [name of file].phpto fixs the error.