Firmware update is not the only way. It is the EASIEST way.
Altering AP code(what's been tried for a long time): easy to find the code, hard to alter
Difficulty: interdependency or self checking nature of the code will make it NEAR IMPOSSIBLE for even the most experienced ROM hackers to do it, risks include sacrificing ROM stability and integrity
On success(if ever): this patch will work for all flashcarts and emulators
Fooling the AP: easy to find the addreses that check memory, requires serious knowledge and experience in hijacking execution and directing it somewhere else
Difficulty: medium difficulty for a hacker, extremly hard for someone who has no knowledge
On success: this patch will work for all flashcarts and emulators
Locking the memory(flashcart): only possible with the involvement of the firmware/flashcart developer
Difficulty: unknown - perhaps AKAIO did it, IMPOSSIBLE by outsiders, since firmwares are encrypted and there is no source code available
On success: said flashcart becomes immune to all CURRENTLY used forms of AP detection, providing near 100% ROM compatibility
Firmware update(flashcart): only possible with the involvement of the firmware/flashcart developer
Difficulty: low for developers - they routinely do it to make ROMs work, IMPOSSIBLE by outsiders, since firmwares are encrypted and there is no source code available
On success: said flashcart becomes able to properly play the game
Locking the memory(emulator): the ROM becomes unable to access the memory, and is responded to in the same way as a real DS cartridge would
Difficulty: unknown, presumed low, far more flexible than doing the same on a flashcart
On success: said emulator becomes immune to all CURRENTLY used forms of AP detection, providing near 100% ROM compatibility
Altering AP code(what's been tried for a long time): easy to find the code, hard to alter
Difficulty: interdependency or self checking nature of the code will make it NEAR IMPOSSIBLE for even the most experienced ROM hackers to do it, risks include sacrificing ROM stability and integrity
On success(if ever): this patch will work for all flashcarts and emulators
Fooling the AP: easy to find the addreses that check memory, requires serious knowledge and experience in hijacking execution and directing it somewhere else
Difficulty: medium difficulty for a hacker, extremly hard for someone who has no knowledge
On success: this patch will work for all flashcarts and emulators
Locking the memory(flashcart): only possible with the involvement of the firmware/flashcart developer
Difficulty: unknown - perhaps AKAIO did it, IMPOSSIBLE by outsiders, since firmwares are encrypted and there is no source code available
On success: said flashcart becomes immune to all CURRENTLY used forms of AP detection, providing near 100% ROM compatibility
Firmware update(flashcart): only possible with the involvement of the firmware/flashcart developer
Difficulty: low for developers - they routinely do it to make ROMs work, IMPOSSIBLE by outsiders, since firmwares are encrypted and there is no source code available
On success: said flashcart becomes able to properly play the game
Locking the memory(emulator): the ROM becomes unable to access the memory, and is responded to in the same way as a real DS cartridge would
Difficulty: unknown, presumed low, far more flexible than doing the same on a flashcart
On success: said emulator becomes immune to all CURRENTLY used forms of AP detection, providing near 100% ROM compatibility
