Hardcore... How would you define it?

[Xystic]

Hardcore - A lot of effort put in beyond normal

It can be applied in a multitude of directions.

For example, You can have a multitude of hardcore raiders.

You can have the skilled down to the single digit number math players. They can tell you how much damage in "X" time frame on "Y" encounter. They can calculate how much margin of error they have and where to make up for such errors if they occur. These players, put in "A lot of effort beyond normal" in understanding the mechanics of progression.

Next you can have the skill-less but time invested players. They don't understand the mechanics down to the single digits but they spend countless hours cracking at content. Sooner or later, they eventually increase that margin for error with gear or get lucky and produce the needed numbers in the specific set time frame to down content. These players are also considered hard-core. They put in "A lot of effort beyond normal" with time invested.

You can have players that sit in between the two. Because they put slightly more effort than normal in time and understanding mechanics but overal its still "A lot of effort beyond normal" invested.

This can also be applied to, a hardcore merchant as well~