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There is pretty limited coupling across servers - usually seems to involve a separate server to handle the interfacing (markets, AE both come to mind). So this might involve a central names database (which in turn needs maintenance and synchronization) - assuming there isn't a means of querying all servers from any one server.

I am puzzled- this is an extremely solo-friendly game. Where do you perceive forced grouping?

SOme opponents, even as Elite Bosses, are tough, especially for some ATs, and there are the few multi-click adventures. But in general? Anyone can solo.

This. Binds and macros take up the slack on this admirably.

Q: What's the essence of comed...?

A: TIMING!

Same same.

I would be surprised if trip mines moved in relation to their setter. The whole gimmick with trip mines is that they stay where you put them until they time out or something sets them off, no? That's the only such power I have besides caltrops (and my archery/dev blaster does love them both so) so can't speak to the others. But I would be surprised, and indeed dismayed if those came along with me via any movement mode. Their utility is based on the ground in which I lay them to create a killing zone, not their position relative to myself.

You cannot "earn" green dots except by truckling to the demands (sincere or specious) of others. 2 million "rep" points from a million fools are worth what, exactly?

The only useful solution to concerns about rating systems in internet forums is to have no concern at all about internet rating systems.

When I worked for General Electric, the manual on where and how the corporate logo (the swirly GE monogram, which is in fact called "the meatball" by GE employees) could be used - on products, on business cards, on letterhead, on anything - was a couple of inches thick. Unauthorized use, we were assured, endangered the company's tradeark rights and would be sternly disciplined if done by an employee and vigorously prosecuted by legal if done outside the corporation.

Every major corporation has a similar manual, depend on it.

News stories abound on corporations engaging in legal fights, whether a battle of giants as in Kellog's v Exxon (over the Exxon Tiger diluting the trademark value of Tony the Tiger - which Kellog's won), or Goliath stamping David into the mud, as in Sony Corp forcing a woman named Sony (pronounced Sunny) to change the name of her small town restaurant, Sony's Diner.

McDonald's, notoriously, reacts to the use of Ronald like unto a piranha in the presence of two all beef patties - there is a lengthy training course for people who will be appearing dressed as Ronald in commercials and at company events, and any deviation from the manual on how to create the look, or perform the character, gets smacked down.

In short, unauthorized use of any corporate logo by Cryptic would be subject to legal challenge by the company in question. Indeed, the structure of trademark laws would virtually require the company to take action to protect its trademark from unauthorized use, as just letting it slide would endanger the owner's control of the trademark.

It could potentially be like the Marvel suit, probably writ larger.

I would assume we cannot twink ourselves by mail (or account-based banks, etc.) because the developers don't want to allow for it. Just a wild guess. If they change their minds (or triage this feature to the top of a to-do list), they'll let you know.

I am afraid I find your points as ill-taken as they are ill-phrased.

Trolling the opposition in the street for a random mission hook was a perennial favorite in suggestions, but you are right, haven't seen it in a while, and you are right, it would make an excellent addition/alternative to the "see the contact/do the mission" trope.

Good imagery, some of the iconic modern representations of the classic monsters are trademarked (eg. the Univeral Studios Frankenstein, based on the look Karloff wore, or the Chaney Wolfman) so some care needed there to get the recognizable feel you suggest but avoid legal issues.

"Getting to safety" if open world PvP (which is what you are advocating) is introduced will entail cancelling my account.

Joint instanced missions for thems as wants (the Arena writ large)? Splendid. The more options for players the better.

Level-free play? Wouldn't bother me, but is a major redesign of the fundamental game, so opens a big can of worms for the designers. Changes the whole paradigm for designing stories that challenge everyone without being a cakewalk for some and unbeatable for others. And that's just the storytelling side - doesn't even consider the technical issues needed to support such a shift.

Ignoring any system of "reputation" tied to an anonymous internet audience would be my recommendation.

PS - I do, unlike some of the other responses, recommend doing what seems good to you without regard for the opinions of others. If someone disagrees, let them engage you in discussion on the issue. If they dont have the patience, stones, or mentality to do that, then their opinion is of no weight whatsoever.

Even if being a jackass seems good to you, go for it, but expect more people to express their displeasure or disagreement, and perhaps more forcefully, than otherwise. But don't expect civility, much less docility, to protect you from snide dings by the typical internet bully (swaggering tough online, douce as a convent schoolchild face to face).

Add a formal mechanism for players with lots of inf to grief people without even being online, or placing their account at risk (since it is "legal")?

I'll take a pass on that, thanks.

Some players affect to look down on it. The guy on your new server (if he is still playing) may think you "ripped him off." But do what pleases you, you will not be breaking a rule.

Still is an accomplishment for those who have accomplished something.

As to the rest, really don't care. Teach the folks who are teachable, ignore the rest (that's not counting the new players who figure stuff out on their own).

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One can certainly design a game without levels - purely stats based, some opponents are simply more or less dangerous, story driven rather than level driven.

But retrofitting that to a system designed with levels? Unlikely, and darn difficult. It's a fundamental kind of design decision.

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and yet the system wasn't designed with levels they were tacked on when Emmert took over creative control.

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Level-free design is harder to do (in a paper and pencil game, moreso I would guess in an MMO) - when Jack took over, the design attempt was stalled (at least according to the version of the game's history I am familiar with).

Reverting to the older alpha designs still would constitute a rewrite from the ground up, I must propose. Working from older high level and prototype designs to write a mark II CoX is still a major rewrite.

One can certainly design a game without levels - purely stats based, some opponents are simply more or less dangerous, story driven rather than level driven.

But retrofitting that to a system designed with levels? Unlikely, and darn difficult. It's a fundamental kind of design decision.