I guess I just don't see the true entertainment value in lockouts. I'm not a reward driven player. I'm an experience driven player. Meaning, I get my entertainment from working together with other players in a fun, friendly and challenging environment. For me, that is the reward. Things like item drops and tomes and what not are just icing. I can't tell you how many times I participated in raids in older MMOs not for the reward but just for the sake of participating.

Yes, lockouts serve their purpose. But does it have to be that way? Is there a better, more organic way in artificially slowing down player progress while still providing a fun, friendly and challenging atmosphere? I think so, I would hope Yoshida and team are working towards that.

However, providing they continue to stick to the tired, tiered, vertical gear progression approach - we will continue to see tired mechanics such as lock outs.