Professional Farmers

[fractaled]

I am not familar with this type of shoot-em-up game, but consider this.  How would you like to play a game like that when you went against players that had poor skills, but paid 30% more U.S. dollars than your budget to have uber equipment even though you had been playing longer?  They did not earn that in-game like the game was set up to be played, they aquired it outside of the game so they could be "hot stuff" in the game.
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That doesn't translate too well to Quake since it is fundamentally a skill based game, whereas MMOs aren't. If somebody buys lessons for Quake (I've heard of it being done), or brings their skills from another FPS, without having put in the time at Quake, I didn't begrudge them that. (Although maybe the "LPB vs HPB" (low ping bastard) argument is the same. Having a better connection gives you a leg up.)

Although the PvP aspect in WoW is supposed to be skill based (IMO), but it's skewed by the equipment factor. I think if you're going to have a skill based game, there needs to be a level playing field. I.e., when entering the BGs, you got to choose your equipment.

Also, your argument is basically the same as mine: "How would like to play against players that have poor skills, but played 200% more hours than your allotment to have uber equipment". The "hot stuff' argument doesn't work for me, I'm not looking to show off virtual armament nor do I get jealous over other's gear :) We may both be arguing against the itemization-as-advancement approach that Blizzard is taking (I know I am). As long as it's in place, there will be channels available for those with more time or more money to gain an advantage.