Pirated copies are no biggie for MMO's you still need to have a CODE to copy to your account so even if you download it off of a pirating site you still need that code you can only get from buying the game. I understand having servers closed would have a bad backlash. I just feel if they keep them open for too much longer with mini updates that do nothing the player base will get worse than if the server's close. A lot of us were spoiled with the FFXI NA\EU release. I'm just in short hoping SE is focused on the thing's we NEED now. not the things we WANT now.
IDK, personally "mini updates" shows a steady progression. I allows players to get used to things on a step by step level. If it was all done in one go (with or without shut downs) it would likley lead to mass confusion and of cours,e frustration on the player base.

Unfortunately MMO's survive on constant veriables. (i personally prefer a bit of randomness. oh and dont say rift, in 3-4 map looks, you will see it is not random, just pre-set chaos).

By completely overthrowing the entire game, mechanics, look, development and all, the company would loose player base on both 1) i hate these changes im off (which i agree, will happen regardless) and 2) well i am finding it difficult to find my feet in this game, it changes more times than i an log on, im playing something else.

With a gradual change it gives players an oportunity to not on discuss these changes on a section by section basis, but also allows them time to adjust to the changes given. On the whole, the same goal is reached, but with less impact.