Generally, I'm fairly content with the pricing and stats of the japanese stuff apart from the wakizashi. Never really used the wakizashi, because it's not part of my style. But its price point is an oddity considering how bad it is. But it really is just an item for style(with its current stats), like the torch, so it being expensive is not necessarily completely wrong. I'd say that it's a little too expensive though, but that's a matter of tweaking. I believe its main issue is it being useless while still having stats that don't look useless. Either strip its stats and price or increase its price and stats. That's the only changes I think you have a chance of making to it.
Also, I find that arguing through reason continuosly for a year is the best way to be able to influence an items pricing or stats. It's what I did for the katana, and I used up a lot Thomek's trademarked "credibility" in doing so, but eventually they did balance it to a point where I am content and it's a viable counter toward most threats(not to imply I was the only one debating the issue). The katana pre-december 2010 patch was a little crazy when everyone had 230 wpf and a 106 speed katana, but in my opinion they took it a little far when it was nerfed, which was what I argued.
Arguing with emotions and personal attacks will get you nowhere, though. Just a tip if you really want to change it. I remember a guy who argued that katana should be 140 speed or something based on the pricing and had a ridiculous "mathematical" formula to back it up, so don't do that either. Just be reasonable and try to counter every argument posed against you with some evidence time and time again 'til no one bothers to argue you anymore and the item is either changed or you will be forever ignored by others. And if you can not counter the argument, then concede the point until you can.
But personally I'd rather see more cultures included instead of eternally debating about this one culture. I'd gladly see a few chinese armours and maybe even a chinese type one hander and shield. Luckily many of these weapons can be replaced by european items that look similar. Then adding indian gear would be great aswell. Of course finding the models for these is the problem. I've noticed that my second favourite character after my ninja is my zulu and after that my full strength fat plate abuser. It's really nice to be able to change styles but also combat styles to fit the character. I usually try to immerse myself in my character and try to act as the character would. Brings a nice variation to the cRPG routine.
On, the other hand if you really just want to rave on the forums, personal insults and emotional pleading goes a long way to achieve that goal.
This ends this session of "Wisdoms of Old Ninja Lobbyists" with Khorin and Thomek. Thank you all for joining us and we'll see you again next week.
