Custom Content is a Bad Idea

[JurisDictum]

I like this server a lot. Despite how over-the-top competitive the raid scene is, I enjoy killing dragons and playing the closest thing to classic EQ on the internet. Because a lot of the overlooks and problems on this server existed in classic, I and others accept the foibles of the game.

My fondness for the server notwithstanding, the minute custom content is added to the game (presumably in place of re99 or Luclin), this game ceases to be classic EQ. It isn't even EQ really, but a custom MMO using the EQ engine.

The goal of the server can no longer be taking the game back to classic, because that goal has been abandoned. Instead the server would be focused on creating content people enjoy.

Do you enjoy having to manually stand up before casting? Do you enjoy huge sockfests and FTE races? Do you like the fact that players will have BiS items that are no longer attainable because the sleeper is awoken? Isn't it great how every mob can be pulled to the zone line while everyone but a handful of people sit around and wait? Do you like the fact that some classes are simply not as useful as others? Isn't it great that there is no shared bank or bazaar?

When the p99 devs removed spell lists, Luclin graphics, spells later introduced to balance overlooks by the original devs etc., it was acceptable to the player base because it brought the server closer to classic. It is also acceptable to have overpowered items in the game that are later taken out -- because it simulates classic. MQs? Classic. Chardok? Classic. If not classic in appearance than classic in mechanics.

All this rationale evaporates the second unclassic zones full of unclassic gear is introduced. I can see rounding out Velious with stuff the SoE devs never got around to but intended (i.e. Greenmist and other Kunark quest items). But wholly new content to replace the existing end game? I think it would be the beginning of the end.

I especially don't see the need to dabble in custom content purely to appease the ~15 guys in Rampage that have BiS on their mains. It just doesn't make any sense to me when their is 2 expansions worth of EQ content that would give plenty for hardcore raiders to chew on -- and free up content for more casual guilds.

In a nutshell: I don't think custom content is a good idea -- because it isn't classic. Therefore, it invalidates the logic behind many of the decisions made in developing this server.