you remember incorrectly zombie. In diplomacy, they would often post change logs, up to a week in advance.
I remember what I choose to remember.
Edit: And the quick search through diplomacy patch updates typically start with this line or variation similar too.
"Ironclad Games and Stardock Entertainment are happy to announce the release of version x.xx for Sins of a Solar Empire: Trinity/Diplomacy today. "
Maybe they had a soft spot one time and pre-released some notes.
I'd be for them putting a journal up of balance changes they are considering, but calling it patch notes before it's released could be somewhat confusing.