What's the reason there are no small balancing patches?

[Balton]

I've always wondered this. Not that I'm not grateful. But in a case where a dev states something is going to be changed in 3 months as part of a larger patch, why not just do it right then by changing a number in an .ini or something?

Because it would require everyone including servers to update their version via a new DL, it's a hassle.

[Leesin]

Because chadz hates you all, he's probably mailing bombs to you guys right now.

[Meow]

Because it would require everyone including servers to update their version via a new DL, it's a hassle.

i'd gladly live through that to enjoy better balancing 

give me access and i'll even update all server every single time.

[Ganon]

I'm a 16 year old girl.

Our prime minister wants to meet you.

[Joxer]

Aren't many of these kinds of little changes made server side? So chadz can do a ninja edit and we then only know when our beloved OP weapon suddenly seems level with others? 

[chadz]

short version: because changes to items are no minor change, but major changes (->break the compatibility->everyone needs to redownload a new client). That has technical reasons. Has something to do with the items changing IDs.

[Meow]

thanks a lot!