When I place my orders, I login and have no problems. I make sure to login before I want to order (because I've been forced to change my password in the past, and don't want that slowing me down). I know that other folks have had problems, including Bruce and Vic, so I'm not disputing that it happens, it just hasn't happened to me.

I'm not sure if order statuses get updated immediately (it didn't appear they were when I checked several orders ago, but that was then). However, being logged in when you order gives you access to things like being able to check order statuses too.