If parsing is needed to clear challenging content then why is it not in the game?

[Dement]

Parsers are indeed a useful tool to be used for either yourself or a group doing the same.


Parsers fail in their use if used to determine how you treat others, especially in a PUG environment.

In fact, I would say in a PUG environment, parsers have very little benefit at all to the individual using them. beyond possibly applying tested abilities to practical application. or in other words, seeing how well you can do that dummy rotation between trash pulls. Beyond, that, I cannot see how a parser will -actually- help in PUG content in the moment.

Yes, it is a valuable tool in your raid belt, but the mentality of most people (especially in mmos as a whole) tend to deteriorate when it comes to 3, 7, or 23 other random people. Superiority is one helluva drug that we know all to many "DF" players overdose on... the only thing keeping most of them quiet is ever present threat of a ban over their head...

I completely agree that parsers should not dictate behavior.

However, as to your second point for individual benefit, it depends on what you mean by PUG environment. If you mean any and all PUG environments then I completely disagree. If you mean dungeons and 24 mans then I absolutely agree that they have no benefit. However, joining a PF group for Zurvan EX today would be considered a PUG environment and if DPS checks aren't being met, the individual using a parser can determine if they are the ones not completing the mechanics. At no point do I advocate as using it to demoralize others; however, it could be utilized to identify weak links and clue them in that they may be the reason checks aren't met. This, of course, would imply proper knowledge of classes and their capabilities or if even a personal parser were implemented in game, each person would be responsible for their own checks and balances to determine how to progress forward.

Unfortunately you're absolutely right that people enjoy the feeling of superiority; however, I would argue a jackass doesn't need a parser to be an jackass and inclusion of an in-game parser would not necessitate changing the ToS in regards to harassment.