I think that a game like this is inherently flawed when it comes to expansions and content. New content can be generated, yes, but it would make sense for it to be more difficult than what was already in the game. In order for that to happen the gear that comes out will need to be better, or the content will be too difficult. Now, think about gear. If an expansion comes out then you would assume that gear would be better, or else wheres the motivation to go seek out the new gear, if what you have is just fine. So now, if theres good gear, then content needs to be able to challenge the players with the new gear, or they will be OP and plow through content.
Its a problem of causality. One will always cause the other. Gear will eventually become OP, or content will become insane, or abilities will become OP. In order for everything to stay balanced they all need to progress at the same speed. A game like Everquest will always (given enough time) become like it is now, on live. It cant stay the same, or people will lose interest.
Thats where EQ went (is) wrong IMO. Its a systemic problem. Its like the cyclical debt problem in western economies. Yeah, we can reinvent many many times, but eventually its going to catch up with us.
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