Wow, I wouldn't believe it but indeed:

http://na.aiononline.com/en/news/aio...version-1.html

"After analyzing our open beta test results Aion will not feature GameGuard at launch. We will however continue to pursue ways to effectively utilize GameGuard within Aion in the future. Right now we're focused on providing players with the best possible Aion experience."

so while it's not necessarily gone for good - that's still great news ! maybe I can get HKN to work now !