Quote Originally Posted by Reika View Post
I had this discussion with someone I work with who plays MMO's too. He likes to have statics and doesn't really converse with anyone he doesnt consider good at the game, but somehow calls the people he statics with 'Friends'. Thats not being a real friend, and if the people who you place the term friend on think the same way, they dont think of you as a real friend. They are simply party members. Conversing and partying only with skilled people means you simply want some tools to help your character data progress. You are all just useing each other for your own personal gains, thats not something friends do to each other...

I tell him all the time "They aren't your friends, they are just your business partners", and the stories of needless dungeon party drama over this drop or priortizing who gets their weapon crafted first proves my points with him.

The only real friends are the people who talk with you about things other than game related discussion, and will talk with you regardless of your skill.
I see your point and acknowledge that I failed to separate two different things.

While I was pointing out that I personally was invited to groups because of a recognition of skill, I failed to mention that Skill is not a requirement for me to invite people to my groups.

I like to make a lot of friends in these games, but I don't just invite every random person to my Linkshell. If during some party event I get a long with someone, and they demonstrate they're not an obnoxious jerk, I will gladly invite them to my Linkshell, regardless of skill, playtime or level. If they join, then we get to become real friends. If they do not, maybe I'll see them again sometime.

I believe in helping others get better and I will never exclude someone because they aren't good enough yet. People don't get better until they get to try. I'm willing to fail at a Raid or Boss fight a hundred times if it means everyone gets to participate.