Reply #10: I think reasonable compromises are in order that should make all sides happy [View All]

What EVE needs is two segregated systems-- EVE-Alpha and EVE-Beta.

In EVE-Beta, the designers and SysAdmins would have free reign to do whatever they please, under the guise of "Beta-Testing" new features and tactics and whatnot. They'd be free to get their jollies however they please.

Users of EVE-Alpha would be free from Deus ex Machina interventions and interference.

Of course, EVE-Beta must have some kind of incentive to attract users to participate, or else the designers would just be playing with themselves.

For those allied with the guilds the designers are playing with, the attraction is obvious-- you've got the Master Control Program on your side, standing by to smite your enemies.

Perhaps if you earn currency playing EVE-Beta, it can be carried back to EVE-Alpha at some kind of "exchange rate." Or perhaps the privilege of getting to play with new equipment not yet designed into Alpha is reward enough. Or perhaps membership to EVE-Beta would be at a discount compared to Alpha.