Here is an idea on how they can actually test changes on the test server.
Allow people to export copies of their characters from regular servers but
give them a tag that indicates they are an imported character. Their names
would show up as a different color, say yellow since that will visibly stand
out. Yellow tagged characters can only be used on Test during specific
date/times to test specified areas of the game. They don't gain experience
and they can't loot any items. They don't need EXP or items because they
are there for one reason only, to test changes made to the game. Once the
test period is complete, those characters can't log in to the Test server.
Yellow tagged characters also would not be allowed to group with normal
characters. This scenario should alleviate any concerns of the regular Test
server players who earned there levels the regular way.

Galtin of E'ci

> > BTW about getting a character buffed to your present level on test? dont
> > hold your breath...they havent done anything like that since the
> population
> > explosion.
>
> The test server is for testing, if they don't understand that -
> then I won't bother wasting my time. It does seem that those
> few people who play on the test server and invested time into
> a character feel bad about importing a L50 character into it.
> I completely understand your position, but I've earned all my
> levels already, there's no surprise or falsity in copying my
> bard to test. You kind make it sound like you've earned your
> levels on the test server, so everyone else would have to. I
> don't want to play there, I simply want to test there.
>
>