When will NA get more shards?

[Kurando]

You've gotta be joking.

I'm not joking. Sure I'm not denying new players a chance, but most companies value long term customers more than new ones, it's common business practice (unless the business is really going down hill then they would attempt to get every single customer they could get.)

You dont think new players are more important than a random alt?

I think one is more valuable than the other, but a paying customer regardless of them being new or an alt has the same right to make a character, but neither should get special treatment (so new shouldn't get any preference over alts). Legacy players getting a permanent discount on their sub, now that's an example of showing how valuable they are as opposed to new players, (yes it could generate less income than new players paying full price but it still works as an incentive to keep them).

Perhaps Early Access should have just be made available to players who have subscribed for a certain period of time, then there wouldn't be the issue of new players being unable to make new characters during what is expected to be a very busy time. But of course, new players equals more money argument....

[Krotoan]

most companies value long term customers more than new ones, it's common business practice (unless the business is really going down hill then they would attempt to get every single customer they could get.).

Take a look at contractual service company practices in your area. Most will offer new customers discounts and incentives to start and not allow older customers to take advantage of these offers.

I think one is more valuable than the other, but a paying customer regardless of them being new or an alt has the same right to make a character, but neither should get special treatment (so new shouldn't get any preference over alts).

Why would you argue that a older customer already getting value out of the service needs that character slot more than someone who cannot even experience the service or will have a severely limited enjoyment (needing to make a character on a far data center alone away from friends, remember this is a social game for lots of people) and will ultimately ruin and lose that experience for the new customer?