Quote Originally Posted by LianaThorne View Post
Let me start off by saying that we both have different definitions of what "casual" is. You say EX is casual, I say it's not. I know plenty of people who are terrified to even touch EX because they think it'll be too hard or they'll get bullied by other people who have certain expectations of how people should play the game. In my eyes, anyone who doesn't want to touch anything past typical roulette content is a casual player with EX players stepping into the midcore side of things. It's cool if you disagree and I respect your perspective but that's just how I see it.
I might have specified what is and is not casual, but the definition is not mine. I believe the general consensus in the mmo genre is that casual is anything that is not raiding. I can only speak from my own experience, but I find the fear of being bullied and ridiculed in the game's more difficult content to be entirely unfounded. I have encountered more player toxicity in the game's casual content. Far more. I don't believe that players fear others as much as they fear themselves and disappointing their teammates because they are not sure they are good enough. The anonymity of the internet has hardened most players from the toxicity of others. However, the fear of failure is something they can never escape. They can only face it.

Of course, I understand that no player should be forced to do this. But I will always be in favor of content that incentivizes players to step outside their comfort zones and challenge themselves.

I'd like to see this implemented but for the right reasons: "providing a fun piece of content for people who enjoy that style of content". I think that's more than fair to ask for and as I said, I'm on board.
Players want to do mechanics. You see it all the time. Meteor circles with more than one player in them. How quickly players swarm to the player with a stack marker in order to save them. Players taking their spread marker away from others to avoid clipping. Players rushing to the aid of another with a prey tether. Players don't ignore these mechanics because there are consequences if they do. And you know what? They enjoy it. Resources absolutely should go towards creating content to accommodate these players. I guarantee you that content that is actually fun to do will incentivize itself. Rewards are a cherry on top of that.

My lack of faith comes from the thousand person discords specifically made to purchase carries (from EX to Ultimate) and how it's evolved into a something of a joke now to have an Ultimate weapon because it's 50/50 on whether or not you paid for it. As for my sub, I still pay it because I enjoy the parts of the game that I play (achievement hunting, running DRS, relic grinding, helping random people in PF, etc.). Not entirely sure why we're now resulting to personal prods and telling me to consider quitting the game in a manner of speaking...but I feel it's a bit unnecessary considering nothing of what I said in any of my posts was a jab at you.
I never told you to quit the game. I meant no offense in my last post to you, and understand that your feelings come from a place of disheartenment. I frown upon the players who made you feel that way, and it is unfortunate. When I say to reflect on why you are subbed, it is only to remember what you enjoy about the game to help wash out that goo. I am glad you are able to do so. It is also why I mentioned my last point about players rushing to the aid of others. This is truly how most players are. Place your faith in them, and keep them in mind when you experience the things you have mentioned.

Best wishes.