In fact, the relative insignificance of the Lounge and its ilk is pretty obvious if you sit down and do some (very basic) math.
D2 has sold millions of copies. (I think the number 3 million is the one I see bandied about, but I'm not really sure).
Lounge membership is what, about 1000?
AB membership might be 2000-3000 more (though some will be dual citizens).
Other fora are less popular.
If no one from the LL or Basin (or any similar fora) had ever bought a D2 product, the statistical result from the game producers' end would be almost exactly the same.
Edit: Thai Pose
D2 has sold millions of copies. (I think the number 3 million is the one I see bandied about, but I'm not really sure).
Lounge membership is what, about 1000?
AB membership might be 2000-3000 more (though some will be dual citizens).
Other fora are less popular.
If no one from the LL or Basin (or any similar fora) had ever bought a D2 product, the statistical result from the game producers' end would be almost exactly the same.
Edit: Thai Pose