Hardcore MMORPG's would be a massive failure if it was released in today's MMORPG era

[Synapse]

How is horizontal progression for hardcore players?

Players usually mention that because "Hardcore" as in dedicated player, rather work for a gear that has a long term benefit(such as skill traits and enhanced skills) than a vertical progression gear where you see it for 5 days b4 next weapon is available. Casual likes shiny new toys, no matter the stats,as long as its better than before.

FFXI was a timesink,

I thjnk its time to drop that excuse. HNM scene is not FFXI.

Think about this game, this game's vertical progression is really quick, you can just as easily keep the ilvl the same, and add more content that is quick and easy to do that is that ilvl. Its just variety we want, not particularly hardcore vs casual. VARIETY.

Variety will not succeed if there is a new higher ilv weapon coming out each 1 month patch, aka vertical progression.

Variety cannot exist with Vertical progression.

[Musashidon]

snip

you seem to have it wrong being casual doesn't mean you will quit. someone could play 1 hour a week and sub for as long as the game is up, while someone only subs 1 month but played nearly 12 hours a day and burnt out.

both casual and hardcore players will leave but both of them will stay too. it all comes down to the specific person not their playstyle.

[Morticous]

Variety will not succeed if there is a new higher ilv weapon coming out each 1 month patch, aka vertical progression.

Variety cannot exist with Vertical progression.

exactly. when content is so disposable and easy the dev team will always be rushing to get new stuff out to keep everyone busy when they could be making good quality content that has longevity and the ability to have additional objectives added to it.