This place is like Rohan in Lord of the Rings before Gandalf frees King Theoden from the grip of the Saruman. This business with the AFK rule continues to prove you all only treat symptoms here, not the cause of an illness. There is a way we can bring average population up, it just won't be entertained by the present 'king'. It is weird how everyone seems to want the place as alive as possible, yet its always actions that speak louder than words, or in this case, inaction.
I can't help but bring up the need for new macro activities that will change the value of the entire game. It might be enough to finally begin opening up possibilities to encourage players to return or stay, since there would be countless new little sub activites and opportunities arising [from a Faction Challenge System]. Otherwise the dark cloud continues to linger. And bringing population up, solves many other problems regarding trade, piracy, faction functionality.
Anyways, at is point, I'll literally drop $50.00 CAD's a month on this place if we would finally see a new system of activity like that to add to what we already do, and to ensure the server we use is quality enough to handle any potential jump in activity.
We have massive world here we make almost no instrumental use of, we fly around bases, planets, etc. The inability for players to just get moving on how to effect the game world (yes people like that, some may even be brave enough to admit it!) is why people run aground of outlets, reasons to endure problems, or fresh activity in general. If we change that I think you'll find there is still a lot of potential life in this place that is going unharnessed.
