I started june 16th 2008, and just recently stopped playing. it was taking a lot of room on my harddrive, and i also didn't have any game time. i think i might just get an external HD. but i think that people on PVP realms only gank noobs because,
1. they get honor
2. it's a fun story to tell
3. it's just addictive
4. when you camp someone, their attempts to escape are so pathetic they are funny
5. who hasn't haxor'ed a noob on a PVP realm before?
umm, you dont get honor unless they're within 5 levels of you. So that doesnt really apply.
Well, I've been playing over a month now, and my views on many things have changed, while some remain the same. I'm now a well-equipped (mostly!) lvl 52, and the game has changed dramatically.
Ganking: This really depends on what actually happens. I, for instance, see ganking (now) as a extension of the war that is occuring between our separate factions. As a Hordie, its my job to kill alliance scum, whenever I encounter them. This is mostly do. I don't camp though. While being killed is a natural even in war, someone camping your body is cheap, and gains you little. Especially when my buddies show up on their mains and rape the hell out of you. Then camp you in retaliation.
I usually draw the line at lvl 30, unless they are attacking or otherwise fighting Horde PCs. Then they're asking for it.
Level balance: 80s are no longer intimidating. Instead, I see them as a resource, cause I can usually count on a guildie to run me thru an instance or escort me thru ally territory to grab an FP. It is also fun being ganked, and then watching as a pally, hunter and mage show up and run a train on the guy who got me.
The endgame matter is still the same. I understand is your guild is too small to field a whole group for Naxx25, but stop complaining about it! When it will be a year at the very least till a new expansion, you have plenty of time before you need to be geared for Icecrown Citadel. If you start getting bored, make an alt! Come back later when you aren't frustrated with that asshole who ninja'd that epic then left.
My initial concerns have been replaced with new and interesting problems
Money: untill recently, i had less than 100 gold. I now make more than enough to pay for anything I need. Farming is a pain, but with the amount of reward i get, it is worth my time.
Grouping: when will tanks stop leaving pugs after the second boss? And why is that silly SOB trying to tank with a two-handed axe? Where is his shield? Why is that shammy trying to tank? Is he stupid? Why does that lock keep sending his stupid minion to the next group of mobs while the healer is still drinking? PUGs are a recipe for lulz, as I have found out very quickly. Unfortunately, there are two people in my guild at my level range, and one never plays anymore, and the other has a latency of 1300+. oh joy. And people, for the love of god, if you're playing a warrior or pally, tell people you're arms or ret or whatever, before the first pull, so we can find someone who CAN tank! Don't get me started on shadow priests....
Questing presents many of the same problems. My server is heavily popped with 80's, and below 40 alts. between that, there is a pre-BC only guild, and a few 50-60 ranged players. 40-55 quest areas are deserted on weekdays, and gain maybe 5 players on weekends.
I'm still going strong though