@17 - Cori, I think you've got the psychological reasoning in one. We like feeling trusted, for the most part, and in a fairly low-risk situation, I'd bet the over-payers far outweigh the cheats.

@23 - Interesting how those entrusted with high-level clearances can't work the honor system. It reminds me of a great "Simpsons" scene:
Smithers: "But absolute power corrupts!"
Mr. Burns: "Absolutely."

#7, I respectfully disagree. I found Old Man's War to be a quick read (and for me, the more I enjoy the story, the "faster" it reads). While I see parallels to The Forever War, and to Starship Troopers, I found OMW and the sequels to be a fascinating study of political doublespeak and societal segregation.

I do agree that making this available for wider consumption, and letting the reader make up their own mind, is the real point. I hope other publishing houses follow Tor's lead.