That is the one drawback to this method. With auto patches from Steam there is no way that I am aware of.

You are just stuck with the latest version and when they foul things up and make a good game crap (if that is your opinion) then you are just stuck with the outcome.

Personally I find the patch a mixed bag. The new DoWs are tiresome. The net effect of all the economic changes make it difficult for Spain, GB, and UP to build much of anything. It nerffed the minors, especially the North American Tribes. It made Prussia , Poland and the MC into Super Powers in the hands of a player. But there are a few positive changes too.

All in all I think it went in the right direction for the most part but it could use some toning down. The AI may need to be this foolish before it will load troops on a ship…even if they just sit there.