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I8 doesn't have any changes to game play or changes to sets so there is no reason for a free respec. I felt it was obvious there would be no free respec.
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IMHO changes made to Fly are reason enough for a respec.
I think it's great folks managed to never used their earned respecs, I take this to mean they were very happy with all their powers and the order that took them in. However; many powersets underwent dramatic changes since release that significantly changed how those sets were played.
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MissInformed wrote:
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I don't get it. How do people burn through three earned Respecs and all their free ones?
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FOTM. Min/max. Arena. PvP.
The only reason I used a freespec was right before I7, none of my heroes had used theirs before, I knew you can only bank one freespec, and for many I had a "wish I'd taken X instead of Y" lingering for a long time. So what the heck.
But some people have respecced every time it's available and still want more. I'm like you, MissInformed, I don't get it.
--NT
They all laughed at me when I said I wanted to be a comedian.
But I showed them, and nobody's laughing at me now!
If I became a red name, I would be all "and what would you mere mortals like to entertain me with today, mu hu ha ha ha!" ~Arcanaville
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Don't count on it. There might be something from the veteran rewards tho.
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You are my new favorite forum poster.
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Now I'm sad cause I said the same thing on the first page! 
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I don't get it. How do people burn through three earned Respecs and all their free ones?
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FOTM. Min/max. Arena. PvP.
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Sometimes it's just simple economics. If you don't have a lot of cash, you can respec at 22, 27, and 32 to pull out your old enhancements and sell them at full value (or 27, 32, 37--whatever 3 spots along the chain you like).
I've had to do that on servers where I don't have a lot of cash. Thankfully, I've had a freespec I can use first so I've only had to run the trial once for those handful of characters that have needed it.
Now boneheads like me will run and sell their tray full of enhs, go to respec, and then realize they shouldn't have sold anything. This is not an issue the devs can help me with. 
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An Etruscan Snood will nevermore be free
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I suppose veteran rewards could similarly solve the problem, but it would take a fairly ongoing set of respecs to fix the problem, and for most veterans (who just don't respec anywhere near that often) this would wind up being a fairly lackluster reward.
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I believe the information we currently have on Veteran Rewards indicates that we will have choices among various rewards. Thus, those who don't need or want yet another respec should be free to simply choose something else.
I suggest that people try to wean themselves off the free respecs. I suspect we will see fewer of them in times to come, as the devs seem to feel that they've made enough truly major power adjustments. Future changes may not be enough in their eyes to warrant a respec, particularly if respecs are made available through the Vet Rewards system.
Take a careful look at the changes. Do they break your character? For example, what would you do with a respec for the flight changes, move a slot or two to another power? Can you honestly say that those two slots radically change your gameplay?
That said, I would like to see the L50 unlimited-respec trial that's been hinted at, if only because it would be nifty new content. Maybe they could adapt a non-SG version of the Cathedral of Pain trial for it, providing respecs and a way to experience the trial without having to deal with the IoP/raidable base hassle.
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I don't get it. How do people burn through three earned Respecs and all their free ones?
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FOTM. Min/max. Arena. PvP.
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Sometimes it's just simple economics. If you don't have a lot of cash, you can respec at 22, 27, and 32 to pull out your old enhancements and sell them at full value (or 27, 32, 37--whatever 3 spots along the chain you like).
I've had to do that on servers where I don't have a lot of cash. Thankfully, I've had a freespec I can use first so I've only had to run the trial once for those handful of characters that have needed it.
Now boneheads like me will run and sell their tray full of enhs, go to respec, and then realize they shouldn't have sold anything. This is not an issue the devs can help me with.
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Same reason I've used all of my own Respecs. Not everyone is comfortable with mooching influence/infamy off that giant-build tanker who insists on being called 'Daddy' for some reason. 
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Don't count on it. There might be something from the veteran rewards tho.
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You are my new favorite forum poster.
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If we really are getting a respec as a veteran reward, I hope its a higher-end respec then normal (aka, allowing you to change power sets or name or something). A reward that duplicates something that we get from multiple quests, holidays, and issues just doesn't have that special unique feel that I would hope most of the vet rewards would supply.
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Unless of course the Vet reward is a respec that can be redone every so many days/weeks.
I make a list of the changes between editions that could warrant a free respec. This is what we got now, since I7, and before I8 even launches. IMHO, the fly changes alone merit a freespec; it affects about 1/3 of all toons past 14.
Swift, Quickness and Lightning Reflexes now grant a bonus to Flight Speed, in addition to their existing Resistance to Flight Speed debuffs.
Reduced Endurance Cost for Power Pool Flight
Added Toxic Resist to Sonic Dispersion power for Corruptors, Controllers and Defenders. The help text has always stated that Toxic damage was resisted by this power, so we added it.
Dominator Icy Assault Ice Sword Circle has had the long pause after casting removed.
Numerous changes to Oil Slick to make it actually ignite
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Unless of course the Vet reward is a respec that can be redone every so many days/weeks.
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I dare not hope for such a thing! The disapointment would be too cruel!
-D
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Be sure to check out this mighty Arc:
#161865 - Aeon's Nemesis
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Don't count on it. There might be something from the veteran rewards tho.
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You are my new favorite forum poster.
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Now I'm sad cause I said the same thing on the first page!
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Don't feel bad. Sycophantism is over-rated.
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Sometimes it's just simple economics. If you don't have a lot of cash, you can respec at 22, 27, and 32 to pull out your old enhancements and sell them at full value (or 27, 32, 37--whatever 3 spots along the chain you like).
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That's a pretty short-sighted way of using them. It doesn't make any sense in the long run to use up what are finite or very limited resources in order to acquire something you'll be able to get eventually anyway.
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That said, I would like to see the L50 unlimited-respec trial that's been hinted at, if only because it would be nifty new content. Maybe they could adapt a non-SG version of the Cathedral of Pain trial for it, providing respecs and a way to experience the trial without having to deal with the IoP/raidable base hassle.
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Here is an idea...
Since they will be updating the Recluse Strike Force with this next patch so you can choose your reward, and I am assuming that the hero equivalent will have the same feature, why not make it so one of your choices is a respec?
This would give people an unlimited respec trial.
Disclaimer: Yes, I am aware that most people will only run the LRSF with only an optimized team, yada yada yada. But this would help encourage SGs to run it to help others in their SG. I also know that many people would cry like little babies because they now have to choose between an S/HO or a respec. But I think it would fit the bill of what most people want: an unlimited chance to get respecs through a suitably hard TF. The choice of rewards at the end would keep people from abusing it because we all know that they would rather have the S/HO.
50 Fire/Kin Cont
50 Fire/Axe Tank
50 Spine/Inv Scrap
50 Eng/Dev Blast
50 Claw/SR Scrap
50 Emp/Dark Def
50 Eng/Elec Brute
50 Fire/MM Blast
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Respecs should be available on a reliable basis every so often. For one thing, not everyone agrees on what warrants a freespec and what doesn't. Flight buffs might not warrant a freespec in the eyes of some, but others would disagree. Or how about chopping the effectiveness of to-hit debuff enhancers by 1/3rd - no freespec came with that, but it certainly affected one of my toons pretty heavily. With regular availability of respecs, there is no need to quibble over where the line is, as it will all work out eventually.
Also, even if powers don't change over time, characters do. Maybe they take an interest in PvP, or want to take flight because they never really explored the Shadow Shard, or whatever. Over time, my biggest need for more respecs comes from Hami-O's - if I'm going to continue to develop my toon, there comes a point where I have to move some slots around as, for example, I get a few Ribos for my fire shield. Those are earned rewards, and we should have the opportunity to make the most of them.
I mean, I suppose the devs could wave their fingers and say "No! You are REALLY done with that character! No more!" But do they really want to? I mean, once I lose interest in my characters, I pretty much lose interest in paying the subscription fee.
@MissInformed, and anyone else who may wonder, "Who the heck uses that many anyway?":
Respecs are good. I'm not insane like the people who 'cash them in' just for inf (and, really, I have to say, to my mind that is just plain stupid. No offense to anyone in particular who does it - but please stop being dumb), but I respec most characters at least a couple times throughout their careers.
Nerfs or buffs by the devs aside, the needs of my characters change as they mature. That quick firing, low damage blast may have been worth 6-slotting when I was level 8 and had no other attacks to work with, but at level 30 I have better uses for the slots. My Dom may have picked up Tough and Weave in a desperate attempt to be more survivable through the 20s, but after 32 I have a pet to help by tanking for me. You know what, I barely ever use powers X, Y, and Z any more; how much better would life be if I just dumped them and took Stamina? You see where I am going with this.
That is the smart side of why I respec. The dumb side: I am impatient. Especially at low levels, when I see that big white fountain of sparks and hear the rrrrreeeoooop! of levelling, I go to the trainer and pick a power that sounds cool pretty much right then. After all, it only took a half hour to get to level 4, so who cares what I pick, right? Sure, I could copy to Test and take an hour reviewing my options, but my early choices usually consist of me looking at 3 or 4 shiny powers and going, "Oooh, that sounds neat," or, "Man, I need another attack. Hey, that one says High damage!" ... Of course, after some time passes and I make it to 10, 12, or 14, I'm really not going to want to start all over even if it's become clear that I made an unwise choice or two back at level 4 or 6. Especially since I can see a distant light at the end of the long tunnel to 24.
I guess it's my own fault for listening to the kitten when it says, "Hang in there, baby!"
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I suggest that people try to wean themselves off the free respecs. I suspect we will see fewer of them in times to come, as the devs seem to feel that they've made enough truly major power adjustments. Future changes may not be enough in their eyes to warrant a respec, particularly if respecs are made available through the Vet Rewards system.
Take a careful look at the changes. Do they break your character? For example, what would you do with a respec for the flight changes, move a slot or two to another power? Can you honestly say that those two slots radically change your gameplay?
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I hope the devs do continue some sort of regular free respec. While I don't use most of them, it is fun (yes, fun! ) to be able to mix up your character's powers a bit and try something new, to give it a kickstart, a fresh look -- not to min/max or optimize for PvP or gain influence/infamy, just simply to have some new powers to play with.
If wanting that is a bad thing, then I am a bad person. And I like it. 
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Issue 3 - Regen got nerf-beaten.. respec for them
Issue 4 - Regen continues to be beaten, holds tweaked along with Travel Supression, and i think HO's were changed..Respec for that
Issue 5 - GDN, coupled with HO's less effectiveness.. I.E. major power changes.. Respec
Issue 6 - ED.. nuff said
Issue 7 - They were NOT giving a respec with these, but, with summoned powers getting new tech, (Rains are buffable, same with burn and pets then) Respec.
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Actually, I7 was going to go without a respec of it's own, until people asked that they delay the aniversarry respec once it was clear that I7 was going to happen at the same time.
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Negaduck: I see you found the crumb. I knew you'd never notice the huge flag.
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I make a list of the changes between editions that could warrant a free respec. This is what we got now, since I7, and before I8 even launches. IMHO, the fly changes alone merit a freespec; it affects about 1/3 of all toons past 14.
Swift, Quickness and Lightning Reflexes now grant a bonus to Flight Speed, in addition to their existing Resistance to Flight Speed debuffs.
Reduced Endurance Cost for Power Pool Flight
Added Toxic Resist to Sonic Dispersion power for Corruptors, Controllers and Defenders. The help text has always stated that Toxic damage was resisted by this power, so we added it.
Dominator Icy Assault Ice Sword Circle has had the long pause after casting removed.
Numerous changes to Oil Slick to make it actually ignite
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The thing is, they generally only give it out for "Power Changes" and not "Bug Fixes". The last three points definitly would qualify more as fixes than changes.
Orc&Pie No.53230 There is an orc, and somehow, he got a pie. And you are hungry.
www.repeat-offenders.net
Negaduck: I see you found the crumb. I knew you'd never notice the huge flag.
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In all honesty, would it really kill the developers to give us one free permanent respec to our level 30+ characters...so we can play around with things?
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Shuffle around 67 enhancements more than once a year? Please god no! Takes a bloody hour.
Actually, I've yet to use a second respec on any character I own, most of them have 3-5 'banked' against future major changes. Probably because I just don't feel that optimax perfection is a) acheivable or b) necessary. Or maybe I'm just good at making good stable, flexible builds, I dunno.
But watching characters swap back and forth between PvP and PvE builds daily....no, I think that's quite a bit too much to ask for.
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Yes, because the logic of "I don't have a use for it so it's not needed." TRUMPS ALL.
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"I wonder how THIS works?" but never have a chance to find out until we backtrack.
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With all due respect, that's what the Test Server is for.
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With all due respect is it? It is a side effect of having an open Test Server but this is not what it's intended for. I mean really if it was wouldn't this be mentioned in the opening tutorial or something...hey maybe they should add that.
Edited to add the following:
I do think every issue should offer a free respec and for no better reason than it's nice to have one...plus all the other reasons given by other posters 
I have to agree:
The Test Server is NOT NOT NOT for testing your build. It is for testing the game code before it goes live. It is a nice PERK of the test server that you can copy a live character to it and see what happens when you level.
But you should not NEED to have the HD space dedicated to an entire seperate client just play the game.....
Mr. O
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Don't count on it. There might be something from the veteran rewards tho.
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You are my new favorite forum poster.
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Don't read the PvP forums, do ya?
Now! This is it! Now is the time to choose! Die and be free of pain or live and fight your sorrow! Now is the time to shape your stories! Your fate is in your hands!
I totally agree that freespecs should be available on a consistent basis. It doesn't have to be frequent, maybe every 4 - 6 months or every issue or something, but I think it's important. People could still run the trials to earn them, and even if we did get free ones a few times a year it would certainly not make them any less valuable. I think there are very legitimate reasons for respec'ing, and I agree that it would help keep the game going for those at 50. If you never have respec'ed, or if you don't ever need to respec, great! Freespecs would have no negative impact for you. But for those who do use them they are a great bonus that only multiplies the fun to be had in this game.
[quote. Also because Statesman told me more than a year ago they were looking to create a unlimited respec trial for level 50s which we are still waiting for.
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I'm with this in a big way. Gives me something new to do with my 50s.
If respecs are going to be "sacred", fix the underlying problem of poor (and often misleading) in-game power and enhancement info.
or If telling that poor blaster that maneuvers is only giving him 1.8% defense (-/+) is too immersion-breaking or whatever the excuse is, respecs should be more plentiful so the player can find out what works and what doesn't more intuitively, rather than spending hours scanning the forums or the flawed prima guide, testing everything on the test server tediousily.
But you can't respec easially, or with much confidence unless you do said research, so most people don't really bother and "live with" their poor choices, in fear of making even worse ones. which is a depressing thing to see.
All together it's just a flawed system.
I'd like to see them implement a soloable, repeatable version of a respec trial at level 50, but put it on a timer so you could only get the "token" once a week, or a month, or whatever. Seems like they have the ability to use timers in this fashion since they are to impelement mission abandoning based on a timer.
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Free respecs introduced in January 2005, with Issue 3.
Issue 3 - free respec given
Issue 4 - free respec given
Issue 5 - free respec given
Issue 6 - free respec given
Issue 7 - free respec given
Note: some respecs were given shortly before an issue release, some shortly after.
The devs should just say what their policy is. "No, we do not plan to give out free respecs every issue" or "Yes, we will be issuing a free respec with each issue" or "We won't be giving out free respecs every issue, but we might be giving out free punch and pie".
Easy peasy.
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Acually they HAVE said what their policy is try checking their old posts before complaining.
They give free respecs when there is a change to the game or builds which would significantly effect players such that they may need to respec their characters. They may also give them out as a reward such as deemed fit by the Devs such as Christmas/Anniversary or CoH etc. But don't count on those they are at Devs whim.
I8 doesn't have any changes to game play or changes to sets so there is no reason for a free respec. I felt it was obvious there would be no free respec.
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I wasn't complaining. Most of my characters have unused respecs.
The developers have never stated a consistent, clear policy on free respecs. I'm just suggesting that there is no harm in doing so -- unless they have no policy, of course.
And Issue 8 will likely launch near the anniversary of CoV's release, so I could understand why someone might expect an "anniversary respec".
Some people get worked up over the darndest things.