Coming for a regualr MP player this is absolutly stupid. Although PM is still possible the whole idea of banning chat is absolutly stupid. They it is not possible for them to band single players, I say why not?
I will continue to play Mp as I love total war but to CA I have something to say. Not only has the GameSpy server been even more of a pain in the back side in recent weeks but this has really given me a good booting up it. If CA are trying to not only destroy the MP cominity but also lose customers then there going the right way about it.
Congratualtions on another job well done GameSpy/CA!