(04-04-2016, 05:47 PM)Karst Wrote: That's a very poor comparison. The "can engage Outcasts" line is the main draw that makes the Cryer ID attractive to some, as it's an otherwise subpar corporate ID with mediocre diplomacy and strict RP restrictions for cargo.
Removing that line is akin to lowering the 5k cargo limit for USI, that is removing the primary reason for people to consider using the ID rather than another.
Cryer has the ability to fly 5k's, iirc, they can transport drugs and other commodities that I can't, and until this thread, had the ability to pew certain people anywhere. The only thing USI has over them is the ability to ship Ageira tech. So no, this nerf brought them to the same level that USI was already at.
(04-04-2016, 05:57 PM)Lythrilux Wrote: Except USI hauling ore is part of it's roleplay. Cryer hauling ore isn't. And ore is the only worthwhile thing to haul.
Pretty much this. As a shipping company USI has the freedom to haul any imaginable cargo with RP justification.
Now Republican, USI, Gateway and Bowex are not exactly great IDs. I won't deny that. But they are a step above very specialized corporate IDs, like OS&C, Cryer, or Synth Foods.
This should be obvious when you look at faction history: No shipping company ID has consistently struggled with attracting players the way these IDs have. Hauling restricted medical commodities (which aside from human organs don't even have contraband pricing)[Edit: I have been informed this isn't even the case anymore, so they have NO advantage when it comes to commoditiy hauling] is generally possible for other corporate IDs under licensing, but even if it weren't, it's not a big player draw.
From a gameplay perspective, corporate IDs need mining ability, good diplomacy, or at the very least significant RP freedom when it comes to cargo to attract players.
OS&C, Cryer, Synth Foods and Co. have none of those and as a result, have never attracted a significant player base.
The one thing the Cryer ID did have going for them were those engagement lines which is why removing them is pretty close to removing the ID entirely.