I was able to decompile the .swf and find the bits that needed to be updated. Then saved the decompiled .swf as a Flash MX 2004 document. After finding the component that need to be updated in Gordon, I was able to go directly to the Flash library and find the object to be updated. I modified the instance and published the new file from Flash MX 2004. The results were excellent and I expect that the client will be pleased.

Also, when I inquired about not receiving an activation code upon payment for Gordon, the developer (FutureCandy) was reasonably prompt at supplying the requested information.

My experience has been fairly positive. I won't say that Gordon is intuitive - especially if you're decompiling a large and complicated .swf file - but it did the job for me. And my client is pleased with the result.

Maybe the secret here is decompiling in Gordon and then saving a .fla file. Making the mods in Flash and then republishing. Others have reported less than complimentary things and I wonder if that's because of their workflow.