I would prefer at least having the option of ZIP (or some other format of) archives, just because I don't like running installers if I can help it, but the fact that they aren't offered now isn't even close to enough to keep me away.
As far as the issue of downloads, I realize it's difficult to allow pause/resume while maintaining security, but I agree that BitTorrent would be a great way to solve this problem. You could implement a system similar to that used by current members-only trackers, where a user has to log in to the web site right before downloading to make the server aware of his IP address (and, in this case, whether or not he owns the game in question) so that the tracker can give him access to the torrent.

Ok, I've tried to skim through the 7 pages. Apologies if I missed something.
Now, I quite honestly prefer the current .EXE format, although I see a bunch of reasons for distributing it by .ZIP. When I say distribute by .ZIP, I do NOT mean packing the .EXE in a .ZIP file, but for games where it is possible, pack up the game files directly. This makes it easier for people who run other OSes with windows emulations of sorts, as they don't have to run emulation for the installer too.
Also, breaking apart the installation in forms of having the installer .EXE and the actual content to install in seperate files would help for those who experience long loading times due to Vista's UAC scan or less-than-optimal virus scanners.
As for a download manager, I'm all for it if (and only if) the download manager is optional. If it's optional, people who don't like download managers really can't complain, as they aren't forced to use it, whilst people who prefer them can sit back, relax and enjoy. Having a download manager also gives you the opportunity for more user-friendly fixes. As an example, taking the solution from this topic (post 1 & 2) and packing up a nice, new .conf file for DOSBox, and update the game.
Of course, in the case of an update, I'd highly recommend that the user has a choice of how he wants his updates:
* Auto-update completely disabled.
* Don't download, but notify if a new update is available.
* Automatically update game.
So there are a lot of potential behind an optional download manager, and by having it optional, those who don't like it aren't forced to use it.

Offering a .zip is a good idea. But as others have mentioned, don't make it a .zip of the installer .exe file, but an archive of all the game files that only needs extracting in order to play the game.
A simple downloader app is also a good idea. Similar in function to Fileplanet's downloader, but please make the interface smaller ;).
Keep up the good work!

I'd personally prefer an archive of the installer files as opposed to a giant EXE (7zip would be great, but if that's not on the table, then RAR or ZIP would be OK, too). Ideally, I'd love for there to be a choice of either one, but if it would have to be one or the other, using a self-extracting archive that automatically runs the installer inside would be a good compromise, as those can be extracted by the programs that create them.
As far as the downloader goes, I'll probably give it a try, but I'm really not sure whether I'll continue using it or not. It would heavily depend on what advantages it would have as opposed to just using my browser to download my games.

Keep the .exe
Give us a downloader
'nuff said.

This, please. I was 75% through the download of Fallout 2 and my browser crashed, making me download everything all over again.
I don't mind having an obligatory downloader really, since I already have Steam which isn't too much of a hassle. But having both systems, .EXE/.ZIP files and the downloader would be great.

it's a necrobump but I thought it was an interesting read..

How about an option for both?

It should be technically possible to compress the install data in a zip file and have a separate (small) exe file that installs the game directly from this zip file to its destination.
Advantages:
-Error checking done during decompression/installation by zip chechsum system, installation can begin immediately and fails if there actually IS an error in the file.
-Linux and Mac users can easily extract game data for DOSBOX and ScummVM games and set these games up themselves. Maybe even separate installers could be created for them.
Disadvantages:
-Users have to download at least two separate file for each game, even small games.

<dramatic voice>
RISE FROM THE DEAD, YOU THREAD MORE THAN A YEAR OLD !
</dramatic voice>
These problems of zip, exe and downloader are no more. We have EXE and Downloader. Final.

EXE and ZIP!
For ScummVM/DOSBox games, a ZIP file should be included containing just the necessary datafiles. This would mean people could set them up in their own way; as well as making them more accessible for NIX heads and Mac fanboys.
For Broken Sword 2 for example, the ZIP file would contain the clusters, the speech and music and the cutscenes and any appropriate legalese so a user could just extract it and point ScummVM to it.
I mean, it's all DRM free anyway; so do we need to be tied to an installer?

I'd prefer .exe files for small games, and zips for big games. And the downloader is my best friend since I can resume at will.

There are some small games a ZIP would be useful for, like Duke Nukem 3D. It'd be nice to have a ZIP that only has the .grp file, so I can use it in eduke32 without installing the full GOG package.