Quote Originally Posted by Rukkirii View Post
Hey everyone!

We will be adjusting the rating settings based on the fact that we will have one for each city-state. However, once these are released we would like to look into easing the ratings after we hear everyone’s feedback and take a look at the situation.
Hi Rukkirii,

Thank you for bringing more information from the Development Team, as well as continuing to pass along our feedback.

Here's one thread that's filled with good feedback and many great ideas on how to improve Hamlet Defense:

http://forum.square-enix.com/ffxiv/threads/44280-Hamlet-defense-feedback-from-a-top-20-provisioner-Critical-problems-and-solutions?p=669971&viewfull=1#post669971

And this was a post of some feedback I had about Hamlet Defense as well (mirroring feelings that Duuude and others have pointed out):

Hi Platinum,

I participated in the 1st round (and saw you shouting for groups) and am participating in this 2nd round now (after the buzz has died down) and even trying to put in a solid ~6+ hours a day, for 2 days in a row, isn't enough to break the Top 20 on our server. You mentioned you had to drop 12 - 18 hours to get there. Yikes.

So without that (but still contributing a solid amount), we got in some solid wins (in the ~25,000 - 30,000 range), but everyone in our party received... Dark Matter for the entire day.

Of course drops should be rare, but hearing reports from Doctor Mog (breaking 40,000) and one of my friends (a Top 5 Contributor and breaking 40,000) getting NOTHING but Dark Matter is really discouraging.

Part of it is that there just aren't that many Militia Items right now and maybe they want to extend the "rarity" & Time Sink aspect of it, but it's quite sad to see how things are progressing.

I think most of your suggestions would resolve many of the issues with Hamlet Defense.

I definitely agree that having a Turn-In Threshold (where once you turn in enough Items, you "cross" that Threshold and are guaranteed a 2nd Chance at an Item), is MUCH healthier and more satisfactory than *having* to break the Top 20, *and* then participating in a winning Hamlet Defense just for a *chance* at a drop. With a Maximum Threshold, players can then reach that limit and then take a break and do other things. It also allows more players to get a chance at a 2nd / Better Loot Pool.

The amount of time investment to break the Top 20 (via Gathering & Crafting), and then spending a 3rd Day in a row spamming Hamlet Defense with wins just for a small chance at a Militia Item is too punitive and discouraging for many.

And as you say, the Drop Rates are too low. If ONLY the Top 20 Contributor gets a realistic chance at a drop, what incentivizes *anyone else* (especially those that are only Disciples of War / Magic) to participate and help out?

For Fun? Maybe a few times... then they'll get bored and stop.

I don't think anyone's asking for Dzemael Darkhold-like drop rates (basically 100% from Batraal), but the Drop Rates are practically nil right now and even being in the Top 20 doesn't guarantee you much of anything.

One last solution is an ongoing Cumulative Running Point System (so you Earn Points that you can trade in for Items). At least with a Point System EVERYONE has a chance to work their way towards a goal (some rare / nice Militia Item) and they know they're making progress & not wasting time.

Especially with a 50 Hour "Lockout" Period (Supply), before the actual Defense starts. There's more than enough of a "Time Sink" with this limitation already, without the need for infinitesimally small Drop Rates.

Here's to hoping we get some attention on this.

Thanks!