I have not tried out 'the patch' and only looked at character sheet to view the screwing over. I can not even say I am surprised by the whine threads, because it is likely I would agree with them.
Perhaps something 'new' needed to be done.
Perhaps holding power of the game itself is low, regardless of the mod. The scenario should have a lasting appeal, but the game engine is somewhat stale. Sure, I can not think of any other game that allows you to steal an opponent's horse and run him over with it.
What was fun though....
DEFEATING A NEMESIS
Finally killing Crymoar, or Goretooth, or a host of other worthies. Ninjering some annoying archer was always good, excellent being ninjering a whole squad of archers.
REVENGE
Revenge is good. It did not take long for some random asshole to try and grief you. Boredom? Jealousy, perhaps some griefer took offense at someone else's praise of your kill, whatever, eventually someone would simply grief you. And this is where the revenge part comes in - tk'ing a griefer is satisfying. Of course, at the time, tempers would flare due to the nature of xp and gold earning at the time, and the focus of some end build or level - not to mention the high possibility that viewing some leech contributing nothing to the team effort might at some point cause a player to snap.
I do occasionaly scan the forums for amusement at unban requests, sometimes I sympathize with the 'offender', and I do understand the pita that is 'being admin'.
So even though I do not play or admin lately, I would propose a more relaxed application of administrative power. Got a problem with another player? Kill the bastard, get it out of your system, defend yourself - just don't whine to the admin everytime some asshole does something.. assholish. This may not please some, especially those who want a nice relaxing slaughter, but it is a combat game - expect tempers to flare once in a while, but ultimately, who gives a shit? Maybe it would work, just a thought.
