Quote Originally Posted by Chocolate_Rain View Post
Absence of a reward is, in fact, a penalty given relative standing.

But that's not the same thing at all. A penalty is something that has an active negative impact on you. Relative standing is just your insecurities. If there are two players in a party, A and B. And player C gives A some gear, he hasn't penalised B. This is especially true given that all PVE content in this game is cooperative. Other peoplegetting gear easier is going to make your parties easier.

Again, failing to reward is not punishment.