Hmm... Year gone, I don't think there's a *lot* that'll be all that different to you. Bases got some attention, PVP got some attention (though whether the last is good or bad depends on if you like the changes or not - there were quite a few.)
Steam - not sure how it interacts with an existing account, TBH. I snagged the codes from PlayNC to upgrade.
Box/Disk edition - yes.
Best upgrade - though it costs 'more,' get the actual editions as opposed to the packs. Yes, they run $20 instead of $10, but you get a free month added anyway, so it's more like paying $20 for $25 worth of stuff (pack and month.)
Thanks for the reply. Steam made UT3 a pain between my version and their Black version so I guess i 'll go find some CoX retail boxes.
If you get them through the NC store, you get a screen that you can just click on the code to upgrade your account, no typing necessary. Definitely easier than trying to track down actual boxes.
First assuming you still know how to access your account, all you need to do to reactivate is add more time. You can grab a copy of the updater, which will either patch the game if you still have it installed or redownload the whole thing, which depending on your connection and what's between you and NCSoft can be quick or painfully long.
Reupping with AE will give you a month of time plus one of the booster packs. A box version of the game will give you an issue 13 image which would require considerably smaller download to bring it up to issue 14.
In 4 years CoH has added a number of new 'story based' zones, revamped the Hollows and Faultline. The new Faultline mission chain from 15-25 is very good. Everything else new in CoH is also found in CoV (bank missions for temp power, Ouroboros, RWZ, Midnight Squad).
Father Xmas - Level 50 Ice/Ice Tanker - Victory
$725 and $1350 parts lists --- My guide to computer components
Tempus unum hominem manet
I need an actual box in hopes I'll get another Paragon Map. 
Hi, been away awhile, about a year. I have almost 4 years in play time, but haven't played Blueside since Villains launched. Is there anything special I need to know?
Also this: I got a Steam account and they're selling the Architect edition there. What's the best way to upgrade? Is there a box/disc edition? I was planning to get the GvE anyway just for the little bonus you get with that. Anyway, any advice on getting fully upgraded will be appreciated.