What was the thinking behind this change?
Will this punch in of balancing continue, and how would this punch in of update be handled inSFV?
Would they be mandatory downloads required for online play?

Yes, as a competitive product, listening to our community and balancing the game is of paramount importance.
Our season starts in March and concludes in December of each year, with the Capcom Cup.
We will handle large scale rebalances during the off-season, to freshen up the next season.
Its the players who utilize the art that are the real stars of the show.
Or players can unlock content using Fight Money earned through gameplay.
They also get a Fight Money bonus each time one of their characters level up.
If players continue to play the game, they should be rewarded with new free content.
Its difficult to say what the challenges are of balancing the system, as it hasnt launched just yet.
Our post launch content is based on characters, stages and costumes.
Characters and stages will be purchasable with Fight Money or Zenny.
We also haveour cinematic story expansionscheduled for release in June as a free update.