I said on another thread already but ill say here also.
If Autopatcher can launch game, so will any other program.
If a packet is sent to server for validation, I can simply "NOP" all other functionality that the patcher does. (checking files, etc),
and keep that packet to verify login (thus autopatcher becomes useless)
It is very hard to control what is being happened at client side, so i suggest don't bother.
If players want to mod their client, let them do so.
If you decide to do a big update and requires patcher. it's their lost, no?
My answer: unless someone send me their patcher and I can't login without it, then I'll say otherwise.
For now, all theories and mysteries