Estranged Veterans' Perspective

[Malken]

When I read what Valeria wrote, I assumed they were referring to gender non-binary pronouns.  Go figure.

Yeah, please let's not go there again, like, ever.

Why? Have you even logged on in 10 years?

As for Brokkr. It's very disappointing to see an active staff member this hostile to a player who has only ever advocated in good faith.

Yes. Except I don't use Armageddon as my last bastion of humanity's social rights and P.C. utopia. You're not going to change anyone's mind here.

I think we can accommodate players different from ourselves without turning it into some culture war.

Apologies to Brokkr, I might have misread them.

I agree with you on that, absolutely.

[gotdamnmiracle]

When was the last senate vote? 8 years ago? With all the people pretty much consolidated to the South or a stones throw away why not have one of those and see some changes that can resonate with nobles, templars, commoners, and rinthers alike, along with anybody else within the ripplezone of the decision. That'd sure be neat watching all the various groups scramble to buy votes, make threats, etc. seems like a low effort long lasting RP boost.

[Is Friday]

When was the last senate vote? 8 years ago? With all the people pretty much consolidated to the South or a stones throw away why not have one of those and see some changes that can resonate with nobles, templars, commoners, and rinthers alike, along with anybody else within the ripplezone of the decision. That'd sure be neat watching all the various groups scramble to buy votes, make threats, etc. seems like a low effort long lasting RP boost.

If we're talking about Senate votes that the playerbase participated in, in some way: 2015. So 3 years.

[Vex]

I'm just not convinced that in Zalanthas, gender or sexuality (including asexuality) should be a conflict axis. And it seems like it is, at least in some people's experience.

I don't think, you will ever tune it out.

There have been a lot of comments made, about homosexuality being a negative. The Byn had a few players who who throw around, "go cry to your boyfriend", to one of our whiners, as example. There was some public shaming, of one guy, who came onto some kuraci guy, back when the kurac was still king of Luirs castle.

Never seen lesbian shame, and have noticed, it's WIDELY more accepted, and even encouraged, among pcs. Met a herm, who ended up being killed because of it, or at least that was how it was explained.

It isn't widely visible, but, just like irl, homos have it a little rougher than lesbos, especially when its a bunch of guys hanging out, playing manly mans. It's still, leaps and bounds away better, than a lot of the other rpi options, and also one of the reasons, I ended up sticking with the game.

I don't get all SJW about it, because whatever, its human to hate, it doesn't bother me, but, it is there, and it'll always be there, until there's a more pervasive equality, irl. It won't be in my gen, and probably not the next gen, but sooner or later, the internet will blur our perverted interests enough, that being hardcore straight, will be the odd one out.

My friend, a guy, who proclaims himself as "proudly straight", is into futa porn, but thinks trannies are disgusting. Nice guy, totally clueless with himself. That is, imo, how most people are, and its more funny than a problem.

Treat oddballs, as oddballs, but maybe, don't fly off the handle, like some people do. It doesn't really matter of Buff of the Byn, thinks queers are gross. There will be people who, in whatever way they can, nod along with him, or rail against him, but treat it as an ic oddity, instead of something we need to champion, on the forums.

[Shabago]

I just wished to chime in here for all of you in this thread that have taken the time to post thoughtful ideas, and meaningful feedback.

Thank you.

Truly, I appreciate this style of thread. This is just one way we move ahead as a community, whether player or staff, as a whole. Not one of you are being ignored, or dismissed. Your concerns are not being ignored or dismissed. Each post, from each of you, has been actively read. If it has yet to be discussed, it will be.

Veterans are our IG teachers to 'newbies' that come in. It's you guys who hook them in. It's you guys who use your years of experience to come up with amazing plots and stories to tell or run. Without our veterans, this game would not be half of what it is. Without our new players, this game would not be half of what it is. Each of you contributing your time, energy and creative minds to this crazy ride we all call Armageddon, I salute you.

[gotdamnmiracle]

When was the last senate vote? 8 years ago? With all the people pretty much consolidated to the South or a stones throw away why not have one of those and see some changes that can resonate with nobles, templars, commoners, and rinthers alike, along with anybody else within the ripplezone of the decision. That'd sure be neat watching all the various groups scramble to buy votes, make threats, etc. seems like a low effort long lasting RP boost.

If we're talking about Senate votes that the playerbase participated in, in some way: 2015. So 3 years.

Still, I think having those be a semi-regular thing would prompt a lot of good RP. And I'm not suggesting them all being over very important dire decisions. Have it be over "important" minutea some of the time. I think, like the attention the Arena has gotten, you'd see quite a lot of participation. Especially because it's not just Borsail's baby.

[Akaramu]

I just wished to chime in here for all of you in this thread that have taken the time to post thoughtful ideas, and meaningful feedback.

Thank you.

Truly, I appreciate this style of thread. This is just one way we move ahead as a community, whether player or staff, as a whole. Not one of you are being ignored, or dismissed. Your concerns are not being ignored or dismissed. Each post, from each of you, has been actively read. If it has yet to be discussed, it will be.

<3

[Delirium]

Having gone through Senate plots, it was honestly not that fun. It was a frantic hassle and I felt like if I wasn't logged in 24/7 I was a bad player, or that my character was going to fail for OOC reasons, because there was so much "moving and shaking" and politicking to do. One meeting with one person takes like 2 RL hours, and if you have 4 people to talk to in the next RL week because the Senate deadline is this Saturday, well.

Maybe if you can treat Armageddon like a part-time job it'd be fun, but time-sensitive plots like that can be really difficult to pull off with out exhausting and/or alienating casual players who might otherwise have a lot to offer the game.

[Is Friday]

Having gone through Senate plots, it was honestly not that fun. It was a frantic hassle and I felt like if I wasn't logged in 24/7 I was a bad player, or that my character was going to fail for OOC reasons, because there was so much "moving and shaking" and politicking to do. One meeting with one person takes like 2 RL hours, and if you have 4 people to talk to in the next RL week because the Senate deadline is this Saturday, well.

As another participant in the Senate plot, I found the entire thing very "top heavy" because of the style of the plot. I understand the immense amount of effort staff put in to make it a great plot. I just didn't at the time (and don't looking back,) see it as having been very fun. What did I enjoy about that period in my leader PC's life? The rivalries she had and the conflict generated by competition between clans.

We don't need super fantastic world-shattering conflict. We need conflict that can be stoked and grown organically between rival leaders in the game. We need leaders empowered by staff and admins to be able to compete with others to expand their virtual organization's power. We need there to be staff partnering with leaders in game to help them achieve a reasonable, timely, organic, and fun goal which involves the most players possible.

[gotdamnmiracle]

Having gone through Senate plots, it was honestly not that fun. It was a frantic hassle and I felt like if I wasn't logged in 24/7 I was a bad player, or that my character was going to fail for OOC reasons, because there was so much "moving and shaking" and politicking to do. One meeting with one person takes like 2 RL hours, and if you have 4 people to talk to in the next RL week because the Senate deadline is this Saturday, well.

Maybe if you can treat Armageddon like a part-time job it'd be fun, but time-sensitive plots like that can be really difficult to pull off with out exhausting and/or alienating casual players who might otherwise have a lot to offer the game.

That doesn't have to be the case if they're semi-regular. There are obvious ways to improve on all of that, but I don't think calling it off completely because of casual players is a good one. You realize there are plenty of American Senators who hardly bother to showup to various votes in real life, right? If that's the noble you're playing, then that's the noble you are playing. Couldn't you also deligate an aide or something to attend and pass along a prewritten document that states you vote a certain way? Maybe that document gets switched as part of a plot? Controversy! Betrayal!

Again, not advocating for world shattering plots, but an outlet for player autonomy. There are probably kinks we could have ironed out if it didn't happen once in a blue moon. That said, I agree with the feeling of your post, but I think suggestions would go further to help than saying "do what you're supposed to do, but better". Unless I'm misreading something.

[seidhr]

The senators themselves are the most senior of nobles from the various houses.  PCs weren't voting directly, but rather trying to influence things and deal-making amongst houses.  In the last one, the way the vote came out was directly a result of what the PCs did, so in a sense they did vote in that respect.

But yeah - I can appreciate how people felt like the plot was top heavy, due to that.  Short of Tek himself and the black robes, that's as high up as politics in Nak gets.

[ShaLeah]

At this point, VETERANS!!

1) If you could choose 3 things to change of the code, what would they be?

2) If you could choose 3 things to change world wise, what would they be?

3) If you could request 3 policy changes, what would they be?


I'm really glad staff has chimed in. I'm really glad they've said they're listening. It maintains my hope.

I'm glad we've been able to reign in the tempers and keep in topic...ish.

Thanks again for starting this, Moe.
Thank you Brokkr for explaining things when people couldn't decipher your meaning or intention.

This thread is making me wanna play again.

[Lizzie]

At this point, VETERANS!!

1) If you could choose 3 things to change of the code, what would they be?

2) If you could choose 3 things to change world wise, what would they be?

3) If you could request 3 policy changes, what would they be?

1a, 2a, and 3a. Find some way to augment the current incarnation of elemental magick. Either allow for 2 *of the same element* subclasses + 1 secondary non-magick subclass, or restore full elemental main classes. Being able to pick "touched" whiran plus "travel" whiran PLUS forester, would be so much more attractive to veterans who "grew up" on full elemental options, I think, than the current, significantly more limited options we have now. This request would encompass each of ShaLeah's 3 questions. It's a change to the code, to the world culture/history/lore, and a change to policy.

1b. simplify the brew system. Being able to customize the colors is great in theory but it's confusing in implementation. If there were a way to add a "maker's mark" to a tablet, that'd be a fun way to customize. So that red tablet that everyone knows does this specific thing, still does this specific thing.  Nothing else does this specific thing. It's like it used to be, before the changes. But in my idea, this one was made by Amos the Dwarf, and he put his stamp, or mark, on the back of it.

1c. I'm pretty much okay with the rest of the code. No third change comes to mind at the moment. I just thought of a third code thing: food and spice decay. I get the stockpiling thing was ridiculous, but playability makes for difficulty, when you aren't clanned, or when your clan is gone into the wilderness for several game-days and your steak is rotting in your pack. Also if you're a Kuraci bringing a spice delivery to a Sun Runner (for instance) and you just keep missing each others' play times, that spice will disintegrate before you ever get a chance to deliver it. There needs to be some more efficient preservation options. Could even make them coded and craftable. The Zalanthan version of a beer cooler or something.

2b. Create a new incarnation of the Red Fangs, or similar. The world outside cities north of Allanak needs an organized, staff-supported/sponsored and at least somewhat staff-moderated PC antagonist group.

2c. Provide for the reopening of Tuluk OR some other, new or newly discovered ancient civilization that might possibly loathe Tektolnes (Steinal?). Allanak also needs an antagonist. Or Allanak needs to be antagonist to some similarly-influential world civilization.

3b. I have no particular problems with the current policies, so other than the elemental magick thing, I'm basically okay with the status quo on that.

[Heade]

I did experience sexist treatment with a recent PC. Within a RL month I had multiple PCs who stalked/harassed/creeped on my PC.

I don't think this is sexist treatment. Maybe just something you don't OOCly like, and something that your character may not like. But that's no different than my PC being stalked and killed. Both are something we don't like, but are part of playing a character in a living, breathing world.

Nothing stops one homosexual male IC from stalking/harassing/creeping on another male IC. And because of that, this behavior isn't sexist. It's not a byproduct of some agenda to consciously or subconsciously treat you differently because of your sex, but rather a behavior that is derived from their sexual orientation. It's just objectionable behavior IC, which should be dealt with IC, just like people trying to assassinate my character IC.

#2- Get rid of the veil. I don't know exactly how to communicate this. Get rid of the veil of secrecy between staff and players, but also between IG, and OOC. Because of the rules, I've blown off dozens of friends I want to keep playing with, when they started to tell me about their PCs, or plots, or asked questions about mine. Get rid of find out IC culture

I feel like this would make me quit. Plotting, and finding out secrets IG is fun for me. I wouldn't want people just openly discussing plot details in the general channel of discord.

That said, I'm all for mechanical transparency, and lore/historical transparency. I don't like how disadvantaged noobs can be just because they don't know how mechanics work, and it has historically been against the rules to tell them. I feel like staff has already lightened up on this a TON, and it is FAR improved from the way it was 5 years ago. I also would like to have more access to historical lore, and an RP document that suggests what characters of various social classes would -typically- know of history. Then let players define their level of historical knowledge based on their own backstory, with that guidance document in mind. There are a lot of things that new characters in the game just have no idea of how they should RP it. For instance, I haven't been able to find any documentation describing the rarity of metal in a help file, in order to determine what the average character would even know about it's existence. These are the types of things I'd like transparency on. Major world events, absolutely.

But NOT on secret, ongoing plots and other PC's plot information discussed OOCly.

[Lizzie]

Agree with Heade about the lore. I'd suggest: any world-changing events that anyone currently living would not have existed to experience, should be accessible. Perhaps some details need to be left out, but the event itself should be knowable as lore, to current characters. Or at the very least, lore to characters in the clans involved in the events at the time.

Example:

Red Storm East. I don't think there would be any characters currently living, who would have been there, or even been alive at the time. But the whole story about the giants and the silt sea expedition certainly would be legendary by now. Maybe we wouldn't know the names of the minor characters, but we might know the names of the clans that were represented, and perhaps the names of the primary leaders of the expedition. We might not know the reason why they went. But we'd know they did, in fact, have a reason for going. And we'd know that they ran into giants. And that it was a really big deal. And that it led to the closing of Red Storm East, loss of life, and a grain famine that lasted for quite awhile. We'd know that some PCs living in Allanak made attempts to rectify this and find solutions to the famine. Their names would not have been lost; they were written by nobility, passed by word of mouth to comrades, nobles in Allanak and GMH Agents would've passed this as the house lore to their favored aides/Junior merchants...etc.

Not every *character* would know all this stuff. But every *player* would have access to the knowledge, so that they could decide how much - if anything - their character knows out of the Hall of Kings.

[Raptor_Dan]

Thanks for the input Headed, I can see your point. You've persuaded me to agree with you on each part.

In response to ShaLeah, I can't think of three of each of those things, but I've had this really.... Intriguing, I guess would be the right word, idea. It would take a lot of work and coding, I'm sure. It may not even be feasible or remotely realistic but it would change the game forever if it were implemented the way I envision it. Since I mostly think in pictures, graphs, and memes, bear with me if my explanation isn't fully understandable.,,

I imagine a way for skills/spells to be combined, to produce unique results. Imagine Amos and Talias are both fighting with, and Amos types 'Bash gith with Talia' which prompts the code to wait for Talias to type 'Bash gith with Amos' Or 'Disarm gith with Amos' The double bash doing more damage or stun than two separate attacks, or bash/disarm giving greater success for popping off a hand maybe.

On the purely gicker side, two gickers working together on the same spell creates an exponentially powerful version of that spell, or different spells combining in wild and unpredictable ways. Additionally, a fireball bash does tremendous damage, but with a chance of setting the basher on fire.

The possibilities are endless, the discovery factor would continue on and on, larger groups would be exponentially frightening when say, a Byn troop all types 'Flank' and their guard skill is maxed. Magickers would be pressed closer together, making them unpredictable and thus more legitimately feared. And as the real plus side that I'm seeing, more people working together, needing each other.

Idk, maybe it's a crazy dream, but I like dreaming it. I hope it's not too impossible to try. *Crossed fingers*

[gotdamnmiracle]

Lizzie has the right of it. World changing events and code stuff (which has been pretty straight forward for the most part, so good job on that guys). I would also like to see some info on what's expected next. I can understand why there's the air of secrecy, but we learned about the changes to class WAY ahead of time and that popped off without a hitch and people were even excited for it. I would love to hear the results (or even minutes) from those discussions Brokkr.

[roughneck]

I'd just like to add that I like playing in a world where dying suddenly, maybe for as much as a pair of boots, is a possibility.

When I saw Feco's post in the PK thread, it made me think of this one.

We are playing in a time of abundance and plenty. PC's have more, survive easier, and are wealthier.

Why?

Because there's more craftables, there's items, there's more regulation on PK, there's more of everything which equals more ways to survive. All this stuff was added for the right reasons, to enrich our play.

For me, as a near 20yr player (off and on), I think much of the grit is gone. We are pretending that our PC's live in a gritty, tough to survive, murderous world, rather than actually playing in one.

[ShaLeah]

In my perception we've lost some... a lot... of our grit.  The changes to the magick system, the removal of full sorcerors and nilazi are of particular concern .[snip]. made the world less scary. 
[snip]
The theme has changed...

I'd just like to add that I like playing in a world where dying suddenly, maybe for as much as a pair of boots, is a possibility.

When I saw Feco's post in the PK thread, it made me think of this one.

We are playing in a time of abundance and plenty. PC's have more, survive easier, and are wealthier.

Why?

Because there's more craftables, there's items, there's more regulation on PK, there's more of everything which equals more ways to survive. All this stuff was added for the right reasons, to enrich our play.

For me, as a near 20yr player (off and on), I think much of the grit is gone. We are pretending that our PC's live in a gritty, tough to survive, murderous world, rather than actually playing in one.

It was better.

So...

At this point, VETERANS!!

1) If you could choose 3 things to change of the code, what would they be?

2) If you could choose 3 things to change world wise, what would they be?

3) If you could request 3 policy changes, what would they be?

1) If you could choose 3 things to change of the code, what would they be?

a) The return of all FULL magicks for special app only OR we add a new karma 4 so that the most trusted can use them openly. Sorceror, nilaz, elkros included.  The new magicks stay in place for any karma 3 or below as intended.  Any full karma 4 mage can use magick subguilds too.

Don't pretend that doesn't scare the fuck out of you.

b) Mastercrafting. This doesn't make the world grittier but it provides a bigger sense of world impact if we can add things to the Known.

c) I'll come back to this one.

2) If you could choose 3 things to change world wise, what would they be?

a) Open Tuluk with ONE Templar order (fuck sexism and gender bias Muk, those templars could be BAD ASS terrifying) - without noble houses or city proper clans like the bards or the akai. GMHs have holdings and plenty employment opportunities.

b) Allow GMHs to hire protection and hunters.

c) Bring back the fucking gypsies.

3) If you could request 3 policy changes, what would they be?

a) That staff approach sponsored roles as more than just a body.  That they are transparent with what's expected. That they brief the incumbent with the hierarchy and their current concerns and missions. Maybe have an interview where staff and hopeful dialogue, see if they can work together well or their play styles match.

b) That we stop banning players permanently.

c) That we hire one or two staff purposely for recruitment, retention and most of all newbie education.

[MeTekillot]

One time I got rewarded with a goblet of fancy wine on my Oashi for some savvy political navigation


I got so pissed i almost stored, lmao

[sleepyhead]

One time I got rewarded with a goblet of fancy wine on my Oashi for some savvy political navigation


I got so pissed i almost stored, lmao

I got a chair! Lol

[Bebop]

At this point, VETERANS!!

1) If you could choose 3 things to change of the code, what would they be?

2) If you could choose 3 things to change world wise, what would they be?

3) If you could request 3 policy changes, what would they be?


I'm really glad staff has chimed in. I'm really glad they've said they're listening. It maintains my hope.

I'm glad we've been able to reign in the tempers and keep in topic...ish.

Thanks again for starting this, Moe.
Thank you Brokkr for explaining things when people couldn't decipher your meaning or intention.

This thread is making me wanna play again.

1) If you could choose 3 things to change of the code, what would they be?

I honestly don't have much issue with coded things.

2) If you could choose 3 things to change world wise, what would they be?

1. Open Tuluk
2. Make it so master crafting means you can master craft something
3. Give nobles and leaders more clear rewards and advancement (be that tattoos, rare items, promotions, etc)
4. Stop making Luir's a stand in city-state instead of an Outpost

3) If you could request 3 policy changes, what would they be?

1. Refocus on the lore and storytelling element.  Reward players for following the lore.  Crack down on leaders that don't have a good grasp on the game world.  Emphasize class structure IG properly.
2. I like the karma system, but make it reset more frequently
3. Let leaders advance

[Is Friday]

One time I got rewarded with a goblet of fancy wine on my Oashi for some savvy political navigation


I got so pissed i almost stored, lmao

I got a chair! Lol

I got a fat, annoying, whiny Lord husband.

[Hauwke]

At this point, VETERANS!!

1) If you could choose 3 things to change of the code, what would they be?

2) If you could choose 3 things to change world wise, what would they be?

3) If you could request 3 policy changes, what would they be?


I'm really glad staff has chimed in. I'm really glad they've said they're listening. It maintains my hope.

I'm glad we've been able to reign in the tempers and keep in topic...ish.

Thanks again for starting this, Moe.
Thank you Brokkr for explaining things when people couldn't decipher your meaning or intention.

This thread is making me wanna play again.

1) If you could choose 3 things to change of the code, what would they be?

I honestly don't have much issue with coded things.

2) If you could choose 3 things to change world wise, what would they be?

1. Open Tuluk
2. Make it so master crafting means you can master craft something
3. Give nobles and leaders more clear rewards and advancement (be that tattoos, rare items, promotions, etc)
4. Stop making Luir's a stand in city-state instead of an Outpost

3) If you could request 3 policy changes, what would they be?

1. Refocus on the lore and storytelling element.  Reward players for following the lore.  Crack down on leaders that don't have a good grasp on the game world.  Emphasize class structure IG properly.
2. I like the karma system, but make it reset more frequently
3. Let leaders advance

I would like to point out that it is called Custom Crafting now, as apposed to Master Crafting. I assume because people were setting out to make the fanciest, most awesome things every single time. I can understand why folks would do that, I would probably attempt it a few times myself until I got bored of that system.

As for what I would change:

Coded:

I would see strength across the board increased to a believable level, humans cannot lift their own bodies once dead, a regular human being should be capable of it, let alone one in a very physical job. That being said, damage would need to be tweeked, and the strength of other races would need to be increased by that same amount so as not to remove the advantage that they get.

I think that climbing needs to be adjusted to take some stats into account, other than agility. A very strong and also agile person will have a far easier time of scaling a wall than a super agile elf with noodle arms, just based on the fact they have to lift themself.

Lore:

I think HG's need their intelligence levels raised to a point where, while not smart, they are functional as people. As it currently stands they are imbeciles that would forget to feed themself if they were not around others or food.

Thats really all for lore, and have no other issues.

[Shalooonsh]

3. Let leaders advance

I would like to address this specifically, and to also give some assurance that this particular topic has been recently discussed amongst staff, and will continue to be discussed until a realistic and (most importantly) viable solution is agreed on.

One of the pivotal problems we have with Noble advancement is a very simple one:

The more Game World (henceforth referred to as GW) power a PC noble has, the more staff attention has to be given to that PC noble to reinforce to both themselves and the other players as to the extent of that GW power.  One of the big reasons that Red Robes were removed from the hands of PCs was the fact that there's just no way to properly and completely reinforce that power without, basically, a pet staffer, on call 24/7, making Zalanthas DoThisDoThat.  A Red Robe was, previously, the only evolution a Blue Robe could get, and Red Robes should realistically contain the kind of power that can shatter the side of an argosy with a cough.  They can decide they don't like the way your pants are tailored, and slap a slave collar on you for life.  They should be able to, without thinking twice, call up -units- of Soldiers and go do whateverthefuck they want with them.  That's the GW power the Red Robe should be able to wield, and this causes intrinsic problems for us as staff... because seriously, we love you guys.  We're here to bring the world to life, but we just can't be on call 24/7. 

"But Shalooonsh" they say "just do what you guys can and..."  Nope.  That's not how it works.  Because eventually there will come a point where zero staff will be capable of responding to whatever needs Freddy the Fred Robe has, and Something Will Go Wrong.  Immersion gets shattered, a bunch of PCs die, something happens and the relationship gets eroded.  Maybe just a little, but a little just the same.  And just like RL erosion, the damage is done, and it makes the next impact even worse, and the next worse, and the next worse.

So we stripped out Red Robes.  It was kind of a nuclear solution to just remove the option, but it had to happen.  Then a ton of work was put in to the thought of What To Do with Templars, and the current concepts were gone over with fine toothed combs, filed down, polished, cut, and BAM... once approved, they took off pretty damn well.

This is the same kind of process that's being applied to the nobles.  Seriously, you guys aren't off of our minds, but it's not a fast process... especially considering all of the other things we have to work on!  We have to figure out how to properly and totally present the idea of power for an elevated noble without tying ourselves by the shorthairs to the request queue and Super Wish Hotline.

That being said, right now, nobles do have some routes for advancement while staying a Junior Noble, but they take a heck of a lot of effort.  You want it?  We're going to make you sweat like C&C Music Factory to get it, but the rewards are worth it.  More are currently being worked on, and once proven to be polished properly, they'll be implemented.  I wish I could give a timeline, but it just isn't possible at this juncture.

Lieutenants and above:
These are special cases.  The problem is that even with heavily military roles, we still cannot fully and realistically present the ability for a Byn Lieutenant to bark some orders and have six sergeants with full units fall in on her if she wants to make an impact at any given moment, which is something that a Byn LT would be fully within her rights to do given proper GW power.  And AoD/Byn Captains are even above that! 

I know there's a ton of points in the past that people can bring up examples of with successful LTs (Raul and others), or Nobles/Senior Nobles (Ceylara Borsail and several others), and of course the legendary old Reds. 

The difference between then and now is that we're earnestly working to find a way to do this right, so that the process/effort won't have to be reopened, reworked, rejiggered, recancelled, rereworked, and then rerereopened.  We want it to be done, approved, appreciated, and viable for a good long time.

So it is taking us a while to do it right, as things should be.