Future of Classic environment, Will Mac OS X 10.5 (for Power PC) still be able to run Classic?

[Metalizer]

Just flagging this issue, as there doesn't seem to be any clear answers, even though Leopard's shipping date was announced today.

I understand that, in fact, all versions of Tiger came without Mac OS 9 system folder for use with Classic.
How it seemed to operate, as in my case, was that Migration Assistant picked up the OS 9 folder from the old computer – and this action enabled the Classic control panel in Tiger's System Preferences.

The question remaining to be answered is whether the Power PC version of Leopard will allow Classic to operate
in similar way. Or, in fact, will the final Leopard RC for Power PC even ship with a Classic control panel in its System Preferences?

For those of us who keep legacy applications on the back stove – or for those of us who need to work with Classic on a regular basis, for the vast productive Power PC user base – still very much alive and kicking – Apple should provide a clear answer.

[cheerful]

You prompted me to re-visit some of my previous readings, so here goes couple of links, hope they are of use to you and others:
Running Classic Software on Intel Mac - ATPM
Classic (9.04) on Intel Macs - theAppleBlog
xlr8yourmac's link

Link 1 - The Official Answer From Apple's Page

"Intel-based Macs: Do Classic applications work?
Classic applications do not work on Intel processor-based Macs.
For best results using Mac OS X, upgrade your Mac OS 9 applications to a Mac OS X version. Check with the manufacturers for more information."

Link 3 - Macworld's FAQ

"Will Classic mode run under Rosetta?
No, Classic mode won’t run on Intel Macs at all. If you still rely on Classic applications, Intel-based Macs aren’t going to work for you. This would probably be a good to begin investigating OS X-native alternatives to the Classic programs you’re currently using."

Link 4 - Wiki's

"The Classic OS is still supported and Classic Applications Support was shipped in addition to OS X with PowerPC (but not Intel) Macs until early 2006."

[Metalizer]

...thanks for the info and links, cheerful. This provides answers for those contemplating moving or have already moved to Intel Macs.
Fact is that a lot us still have perfectly solid performing G4s and G5s. OK, so Apple has a cut off point with Leopard for G4s beyond a certain vintage.
But say, I pre-ordered Leopard today. I have no way of knowing whether the Classic environment will show up in my System Preferences (on my 18 months old[!] G5) when I install Leopard on the 26th. Say, I needed to run Photoshop 6 with specialized plug-ins that were never updated for OS X (and never will be because the original company is now defunct).
Similar issues may arise for users of Quark, earlier versions of Painter etc. often preferred because earlier versions of applications turn out to be more stable than later ones that were subsequently bought out.
Many musicians, for instance still use classic applications for a whole variety of reasons or may use a mix of both Classic and Mac OS X applications etc etc.