Platinum Install and Patches without C3

I've asked this in several different threads but I'm not getting an answer.  
 
If I install Platinum without using the Command Center, (manually), if I understand this correctly, I can't use C3 for upgrades or patches.  IOW, once I go down the manual highway, so to speak, I can't go back to C3.  OK fine.  So how do I know when it's time to patch/upgrade?  Will there be dated patches etc. in my account?  Will I get an email?  Supposedly there is a patch for Platinum already but everything looks the same on my account page.  How do I know when and what to download?
 
Any clarification would be appreciated.  Thanks.
 
Paul

John
I think its the other way around Paul. You need the CC to get updates. I don't think it cares if you bypass it on the initial install. 

Thanks John.  That's not what I heard before. Someone said that C3 would not work for patches if not used for the initial install.  I'd love to have the bakers weigh in on this one.  I don't want to install only to have to go back and redo things.  Inspite of my misgivings, it might be better to just use the C3 for the initial install.
 
Paul