I feel that this post + replies are too long already, but I feel there's something I need to say.

Pretty much everything you list in your last post is found at
http://www.wow.com/2009/05/06/wow-rookie-keeping-your-account-safe-and-sound/

On another note... I don't see why so many people are against authenticators. I have mine on my phone (so I guess i'm "lucky" I dont have to spend $6.50). I timed how long it takes to enter my 8 digit code: 8 seconds!!!!! lets say you log in once a day, EVERY DAY for a year. That's a total loss of 48.6 minutes per YEAR. Here are the other options:

1) Download/update countless programs to help you protect your actions on the interwebz (I have a feeling that is more like 15 minutes a WEEK, and for you mathematically impaired people, thats 13 hours per year)

2) Get your account hacked. Spend the first hour pulling your hair out trying to get your account back only realizing you have to call Billing and it's 10:00 PM and Blizz is closed. Then spend a few hours over the next few days talking with blizz, and getting your account. THEN waiting a few days for gear/items to come back to your mailbox.

Long story short: I really don't see the big picture with authenticators. They will prob be mandatory soon anyways, and I don't blame Blizz. If your online bank records get hacked online, is that your banks fault that you let your personal information out? No. Your lucky that blizz has probably spent a LOT of money on setting up countless systems to 1, protect your account, and 2, get it back if it gets hacked.

"Long story short" short: GET AN AUTHENTICATOR AND DON'T QQ WHEN THEY EITHER BECOME MANDATORY OR BLIZZ STOPS RESTORING ACCOUNTS.

-Thank you for your time... and stop picking on Robin ;)