Well, having just played my first non-binding character up to a decent
level, I would have to say that I agree with adding NPC binding. Obviously
cities only, and would also like to see casters more limited on bind points
as well for game balance. I also agree death should have a penalty.

Most of the reasons non-binders feel like they would like this has been
said already. But I would like to point out another "game balance" issue
that is the same one Brad used when modifying kiting. A person should be
able to choose a class based on its abilities and thier playing style and
not feel like they get a significant advantage in choosing another.

I will state this. Unless a friend or guildmate is on and capable of
binding my warrior, I won't play her. Period. I'll play my caster who can
bind nearby. Since if I'm not with my group two things will happen:

a) As most non-binders are also front-line fighters, and in my case always
a main tank, I will be the first to go down in battle. AND if I do my job
while going down will hopefully be the only casualty. I will loose exp. I
will have a long run, I may loose more exp on that run if unlucky. I will
have no company on the run who can aid me (since if a caster did go down -
they won't reswpan near me).

b) The rest of the party will be back in business and getting more exp, and
more loot while I run. In addition, the evacuation-based spells the
casters have, usually *do* let them live (and as a warrior I hope I did buy
them time to fire them), so they may have gotten exp for the kill I died
in. They usually will start fighting as soon as casters are at full mana,
but maybe just pull light blues until I get back.

Then I get back, a half an hout later, and we go for the yellow/red pull,
and the cycle may just start over again. Two bad pulls (no ones fault
really) and I could have used up my whole 2-3 hours of playing time and had
a significant loss of exp., and almost no loot. In addition, a caster who
is bound nearby WILL NOT (unless they are a regular companion or an
incredibly self-sacrificing person) spend 40 minutes, walking back to the
nearest town to bind my warrior and then returning to the battle area. Why
should they loose 40 mins of thier play time for me? I can't fault them
for it. And if I see the area is tough, perhaps fewer hunters causing
tougher pulls .. I camp that warrior FAST now. I don't want to get too far
behind my more regular companions. And again, I add not even because the
pick up group was bad ... just a hard zone, and no one wanting to "waste"
40 minutes to bind me closer.

So, I consider binding to be like kiting. There are many nights that it,
and it alone, dictates which character I will be playing. And as well, it
also means (contrary to game design hopes) I'll probably solo a caster as
opposed to tanking in a group. So IMHO, without NPC binding, the binding
ability does provide a reason far outweighing my playing style or class
balance which will lead me to play a certiain class (or classes).

I will add its worse for warriors than hybrids ... we have no spells ever,
no speed aids, no invis aids, and as primary tanks are even more likely to
go down on an escape.

Melodie - Bard on Brell
Starling - Bard on Erollisi
Taizu - Warrior on Brell
Deceit - Enchanter on Brell