in 3.9, is it possible to publish a download from the front end, or is it only possible in the back end?

Hi
The short answer is Yes.Are you familiar with the User Groups Settings - Group Creation/Editing tab ?That has a setting Publish New Downloads
An important aspect of User Groups Settings is setting the Ranking so you control which User Group is the predominate onePlease see
http://www.jdownloads.net/documentation-for-v3-9-beta/access-user-group-permissions-v3-9/user-groups-settings-overview-2

   and
   http://www.jdownloads.net/documentation-for-v3-9-beta/access-user-group-permissions-v3-9/which-user-group-is-used
Colin

Thanks Colin.  This helps, I'll look into it.
   Steve

Steve
I am rewriting some of the documentation for jD3.9 series which may be better structured
Colin