really ? seems rather strange

I don't have SP3 on my main computers just on some virtual machines as I don't like to rush with updates without knowing what I'm getting into

Seconded.

Format

Reinstall

Nope, not kidding. Especially if your system is a few years old.

GC2 does not have issues with SP3, but SP3 could have issues with all the garbage a system accumulates over time.

Until I can get a bug to happen on command, I don't send a report in.  I could just hear the person on the other end cursing me if I say "sometimes it crashes at random times in the game".

When I used "consistently" above, I was moreso referring to how not everybody who has SP3 and GC2 is having crashes, thus it has to be a localized issue.  Sadly, this is the problem with PC gaming...it's very rare you'll get two systems exactly the same.

Then, we DO share similar "opinions" on the fact that there are soooooo many ways to screw up any system. Heck, even MS can't put up with making a solid & reliable Vista without regular updates (mostly security stuff).

Programming is inherently complex enough to BE the cause of tricky mistakes, no matter how hard people try to prevent it.