Re: Out of Character 8
I've never used GCA -- but I've used GCS since well before it was swapped to Java to simplify cross-platform use (same program works on Windows, Mac, and Linux). It lacks the direct support of SJ Games, and the developer is a bit swamped at times so fixes and such can take a while -- but it's been very stable for a long time, users can add stuff (like new spells, advantages, and skills), and the source code is open so programmers can even fix the code if they speak Java. There are support mailing lists so users can easily contact the developer as well as help each other.
Handles templates pretty well, IMO. Ardenas was done on GCS, and was my first DF character build.
What it doesn't have is long descriptions of anything -- the developer considers that copyrighted material that exceeds the public play aid license SJ has given. That's fine, if you use abilities from books you have access to, you won't have problems with it -- and users can add notes to things for quick in-play reference.
Now, that said, anyone can cheat at an RPG if they put their mind to it; I've seen it done in OD&D back when a character sheet was a random piece of ruled notebook paper or graph paper. My take on it was, it was like cheating at solitaire, only worse because you can ruin someone else's fun.
And ruining the fun for others is the only genuine sin in RPG play.