Is anyone else bothered by the lack of incentive for mediocre players to improve?

[Yenn]

And even then, the 'dumb trophy' part is one of many aspects. Not 'everything the genre stands for.' I never said all those things you listed were dumb.

Actually, if you took what you originally quoted in context, I wasn't even trying put down any aspect of MMOs or RPGs themselves. I was actually criticizing people who care more about the reward they get so that they can feel superior over those that don't have it, over the pride of having overcome the challenge. I was criticizing people who want others to be able to obtain less, so that they can feel more special. That's what the whole context was actually saying. Yes, I trivialized the gear to emphasize my point. And I'm not wrong, in the end it is just stupid clothing for you cat man, or in your case your androgynous midlander 'guy'. = p It is still sad to care more about dumb gear over your accomplishments. When you beat Twin and didn't get your sword or helmet were you still happy to have finally won? Or do you only care about the gear, for the primary reason to have things other people don't? If the former is true, then awesome. If yes to the second question, then yeah, you're the type of person I'm criticizing in that post. If you still have a problem with what I said after understanding the entirety of it, then whatever.

Oh, and I can still enjoy the game just fine while still realizing it's just a game. It's something I do for entertainment. It's not something I do to feel special or to boost my ego. I couldn't care less if people have high ilvls and aren't as good at the game as I am. I don't give a crap if people have the same stuff as me, even if they were able to obtain it more easily. And I certainly don't want other people to be able to enjoy less of the game so that I can feel special or superior. Nothing I've said in this thread hinders my enjoyment of the game, at all. Honestly not even sure where you were trying to go with the last part. I wasn't criticizing anyone for beating bosses and getting loot for it, and that doesn't describe me at all. So...? I dunno.

Good idea, let's just remove gear from the game because it's not an important aspect. We can just normalize everyone's stats.
If gear isn't an achievement, it has no reason to exist. I honestly don't even know how to respond to this. I'm not sure why you're even posting.

[Miburo]

Good idea, let's just remove gear from the game because it's not an important aspect. We can just normalize everyone's stats.
If gear isn't an achievement, it has no reason to exist. I honestly don't even know how to respond to this. I'm not sure why you're even posting.

Never said anything remotely close to that. Perhaps you should brush up on your reading comprehension skills before criticizing others for posting?

When I say that it's just video game clothes for you video game cat boy it is to emphasize how ridiculous you're being when you complain about others 'diminishing your accomplishments' and crap like that. Not to say gear in an RPG is a stupid thing to have. Gear is fine. Getting your panties in a bunch because people you think don't deserve gear can get gear isn't fine. It's pathetic. I don't know how to explain it any more clearly.

[Inflorescence]

Good idea, let's just remove gear from the game because it's not an important aspect. We can just normalize everyone's stats.
If gear isn't an achievement, it has no reason to exist.

For me personally, obtaining gear and becoming skilled at my roles are a means to an end. Gear makes you better, and being good at your classes makes it so you can do more and help others. It's not the goal of the game for me, and a lot of other people either. It's definitely not 'everything the game genre stands for'.

a means to an end

I could basically start a Miburo fanclub today.

[Kabooa]

Good idea, let's just remove gear from the game because it's not an important aspect. We can just normalize everyone's stats.
If gear isn't an achievement, it has no reason to exist. I honestly don't even know how to respond to this. I'm not sure why you're even posting.

It worked for Guild Wars for several years.