Sorry to start posting with a problem, but GOG was absolutely frictionless experience up until not long ago. And GOG had this exact thing right before.
Now, the issue. Downloading a game installer, downloading a patch, installing the game and then the patch IS NOT OKAY. Why should I do that if the whole point of digital distribution platform is the ease of use?

*snip*
Nevermind, reading comprehension fail.

I can't really think of any other way to do it.

The installer should be updated so I would install the latest version.

So you'd rather download 3 gb twice, instead of 3gb and then an 100 mb update?

As far as I know the installer do get updated and marged with the patches from time to time, but if a patch gets released the most sensible thing is to make it a separate download at first.

I think he means like steam? Auto-update if new updates?

The patch for those who have already downloaded the game is nice. Not updating the installer at the same time is not. No. I fully realize GOG doesn't have means to auto-update installed games like steam does.
The case in point is downloading installers.

so you do want to download full installers each time? even though it is the 1gb+ games?

edit - ah I think I see. That the main installer should always have the full patch installed so when downloading for the first time there should be no need to patch?

Yes.

And where the hell is Hotline Miami patch?

And then what do people whom installed the game before said patch existed do?

The sensible thing is to have both the updated game and the patch available, but then people get confused as to if they need the patch. Which I believe is the actual situation in a lot of cases here.

Yes.

And what do you suggest?

Compare patch/installer dates?

It's been discussed before and nobody really knows what a good clean solution would be.

Only thing I can think of is to keep the main installer patched and then have the patch files pull up a dialog that informs you that the main installer is all you need if it's your first time downloading, and that you will only need the patch if you have an older copy of the game. But then there may need to be some game specific information as to when the installer was updated and how to tell if the version you already have is the current one or not.

Its not exactly faultless nor is it convenient compared to auto-patching, but I'm not sure any solution exits that can compete with that. The goal might be for downloader to be more or less "aware" of what you have, but that's pretty involved with lots of room for failures that end up making a bigger mess than you would otherwise have.