Population increase is the likeliest culprit. This game saw a surge of popularity last year. Becoming the #1 MMO in the world brings extra scrutiny, higher expectations, and more hate. Lots and lots of hate. Primarily from its own playerbase.

They will say things like, "We have a right to express our opinions." And while that's true, the vitriol on the forums has been over-the-top and hilarious. Fortunately, this game also has a large Japanese playerbase, and that's where I go to gauge the actual state of the game. Certainly not these forums, which outside of the Lore section, suck pretty badly.