Is this the road they will continue to take with items?

[Magis]

I will never understand the hate for vertical progression. (Though I'm sure you will all try and explain it to me) If I had to use the same gear for 6+ months I'd leave the game. I have to have something new to reach for.

The point is not to have something not to reach for, that would just be stagnation (neither vertical or horizontal progression). It's to have something to reach for that doesn't negate the previous thing.

[Dwill]

The point is not to have something not to reach for, that would just be stagnation (neither vertical or horizontal progression). It's to have something to reach for that doesn't negate the previous thing.

That in itself is an illusion. There will always be something that is the best out there and that's what people will reach out for while ignoring what's inferior. So in the end, you're stuck with the same set of gear for months/years. Not so fun.

[ispano]

The point is not to have something not to reach for, that would just be stagnation (neither vertical or horizontal progression). It's to have something to reach for that doesn't negate the previous thing.

And that's the problem. If it doesn't negate the previous item, it's either useless, or only useful at certain times or places. Meaning you have to keep both. Or you just pick what you like, but then they can't balance the game well and it becomes overly easy or flat out broken.

Also, as others have said, the illusion of choice and theorycrafting the optimal pieces.

[Ooshima]

People always like to see new things. It is human nature. The majority is like that, you have to keep them entertained with new contents, new gear pieces, new glamour items etc.

BTW OP, JAN till now is about a good 8-9 months, how did you not expect any change to happen?

[Exstal]

I believe those who want horizontal progression want it to last for a year or two. I think that's foolish. I thought it was annoying in Aion that I just kept 2 sets of armour for 18 months because anything after it was minimally better or flat out worse than I had. No drive to do fights that the gear was worse than what you had.

[GalkaBikini]

It's to have something to reach for that doesn't negate the previous thing.

Uh.... Welcome to 30+ years of RPGs?