I apologize for succumbing to the urge to be brief in my comments. I can see,
Sylly, how it sounds like sour grapes.
Menuette did a superb job of making some of the points I hinted at but made so
vaguely.
Menuette: "The contests are totally without meaning to people who either play
to have fun or have limited time available to pursue the game."
I completely agree with you, Sylly, that some enjoy the challenge or the simple
joy of the experience of an event in EQ. I also have a great deal of respect
for everyone who seeks out whatever fun they can :). That, to me, is what it's
about. So there can be meaning there, but I don't think that breed is the most
common one in EQ :).
Meneuette: "The contest is a fanstastic reward for all those who are playing to
win, and have the time and resources to do so."
This is a game that is difficult to impossible to 'win'. Here is one rare
event where there are 'winners'. And yet the event is designed so that those
who are -already- 'winning' can win some more. More reward to the already
maximally rewarded.
I don't for a moment say that those like Thott have not earned their rewards.
I, as co-founder of a guild that is moving towards the end game, understand
clearly the challenges and sacrifices and brain power required to get to the
end game in EQ. So I have the utmost admiration and respect for their
accomplishments. I also have some insight, as a member of the community on
Mithaniel Marr, into how fast Afterlife burns out and through members in
pursuit of winning EQ. But now I digress... :)
Menuette: "You also can't convince me that with those rules it will find the
better "Bard". It will find the Bard with the best in-game resources."
And this is really the core of my discontent with these contests. I would love
to see tests of skill and bravery that would reward people who have spent their
days played, whether they be in the 10s or the 100s, honing all the skills
available for their class. And I mean in game, not a con.
Who is the better bard? Is it the one who has chosen the right songs to whip
out to save a desperate situation in a group or raid, or the one who has a
primal weapon?
I think I know Verant's answer. And I flat out disagree with it. You and I
seem to agree Sylly, that there should be other events.
I am so vehement in my dislike of this one because it is the only game in town,
and those who are already 'winning' the game win here too. Call me a bleeding
heart ;).
Maravana Vireo
Deadly Virtues
Mithaniel Marr
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