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.

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

QUOTE

"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

QUOTE

"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

QUOTE

"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."

...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.

speaking of getting Leopard. i understand that 10.5 edu pricing isn't as competitive as earlier versions of the mac OS anymore

ha! you too, PS 6?! hi-5. my major reason why PS 6 simply because it works optimally fastest on my mac and also, the usual budget issue. i got a copy (heavily discounted) of CS 2 as well but that's only fired up when i need some of the features there.

when i get an intel mac for myself, that purchase will most likely come with the CS suite, but the usual complaint --- plugins that were never updated to work with the newer PS (not a bad thing either, if you ask me).

ah ... bittersweet experiences for us all. only the new adopters (or switches) don't face such issues.

p.s Hi-5 once more, mate!

...
...yeah, probably PS 6 was the fastest ever version for the Mac. I don't use it all that much now (have CS1)
since I've stopped using el cheapo digicam – hence less need for those touch up plug ins.

But then the new adopters don't know what they've been missing

indeed. but it cuts both ways. we kinda can't let go either (simply because the early apps were really optimized and wonderful). anyway, here's another bit of info on Classic which I just read on macfixit

QUOTE

"No Classic support Mac OS X 10.5 does not support the Classic (Mac OS 9 runtime) environment. The only option for running Mac OS 9 applications after updating to Leopard is to boot your system into Mac OS 9 (if it supports the OS) or booting into a Mac OS X 10.4.x or earlier volume."

source: Link

thanks for the info. I kind of half expected it. Apple have been rather economical with the truth about this.
It means, that if I do go and purchase Leopard, I will have to install it on a separate partition. Rather curiously, Leopard still has a Carbon layer, from what I can gather. (I guess Carbon gets the chop in 10.6?!– if not the entire Power PC range?!)

Here's another comprehensive page on Classic Environment on macs. Link

Source: EveryMac.com