Darth Hater

What I'm still confused about is that Mr. Schubert seems to be addressing the problem as if the two "paths" to obtain the gear are unbalanced, when really one shouldn't exist at all.

Say what you will about the importance of the space mini-game, but at the end of the day the grade 7 ship parts have STATS: numbers the dictate the effectiveness of the piece. When you are paying real world money for stat-ed parts, you are paying to win the game. In my opinion the same thing goes for the color crystals.

Don't even get me started on the fact that after being purchased, these ship parts can be sold on the GTN, creating a THIRD, easier path to obtaining them.

Great topic idea, you've inspired this long-time lurker to come out of hiding and chat about my favorite MMO.

My personal Wall of Crazy:

1. Legacy Ops - With all of this games focus on multiple characters (legacy/ alts, companions, story, etc) I find it frustrating that I have nothing to which I can apply my hereto formed personal army. I would like to see flashpoints, operations, or even quest chains that are only completable solo, but with the use of multiple companions or alts. This could range from a flashpoint that one could run with three active companions at once, all the way to an 8-man operation wherein you are accompanied by 3 companions, a botted alt, and 3 of their companions. This would add an element of squad-building to the game as well as challenge the strength of one's entire account at once, and could even consist of re-tooled current quests tuned for this purpose.

2. MOAR SANDBOX - My favorite game worlds are those with depth, variety, and the facilities for really unique customization options. That being said, SWTOR is seriously lacking in all these departments. While I do enjoy the challenge of forging truly unique assets in this game, it desperately needs more and better gear models, reasons to go to any planet without dailies on it, and many more ways for people to express themselves. I want my adventures to occur organically out in the Star Wars galaxy, not after having waited in line for an hour in a space station. Things like legendary gear quest chains, minigames, and operations that require true out of the box thinking, not just 5 linear bosses that require you to stand in the right place in the right time every once in a while, would add much needed depth to the world.

3. Guild Goals - The guild system in this game is overall very lacking. We need communication tools, organization tools, and real benefits from forming a hardened team of players. Right now progression for its own sake is the only carrot being dangled in front of guilds, and things like guild-wide unique mount unlocks, a custom set of gear (uniform) for everyone, banners, and some sort of meeting place (I've given up on guild ships, just give us a customizable instance SOMEWHERE for goodness' sake) would be fun for everyone and give guilds new and exciting things to work toward.