Let me start by saying that I genuinely appreciate the time you've invested into this idea (and others), and that I know that you develop your thoughts carefully and with the intent of improving the MUD.
That being said, here are a few reasons that I really don't like this idea:
The Great Change
Many people have said it already. We chose and stuck with FL because of certain characteristics of the game. The nature of the class/race selections, the development of abilities, and sometimes, yes, the predictability of the PK aspect of the game (please be sure to note that I am referring to predictability solely in the PK sense). There is something about having static races/classes that have to be developed using different combinations of alignment, equipment, different cabal/subcabal choices, training, and just plain luck, that I like about this game. And I actually consider that to be one of the best REPLAY values of FL. I like the fact that when I roll an ogre warrior, no matter what alignment I choose, I will end up at 50 with the same skills, relatively the same stats, and the same opportunities to own or get owned as every other ogre warrior. It is that sameness that allows us to create from our own imagination completely unique characters, with solid foundations in the game's code. And so, when you try to conceptualize something that will totally revamp the class system of FL, and subsequently the PK system as well, I don't know that this would really be FL anymore. Can I say, flat out, that I would quit if this change was introduced? No. But can I say with no small amount of certainty that this would not be the same game any more, and there are other people that WOULD quit? Yes.
A Potato is a Potato
There are many specific problems with some classes in this game. Berserker is one of them. Dark-Knights and Monks used to be. However, whether I believe that these problems are the result of a lack of customization is the question. I think, having played here for quite some time, that the problems that these classes have are a direct result of other classes receiving the legendary "tone-up," while others have been the same since the day FL was born. And so what I suggest instead is looking for ways to utilize your creative energies to fix specific problems. Permit me to use a metaphor:
Pretend that you are on a boat (if any of you start that, I will kill you). As you sail out to sea, your boat begins to sink. Upon examination, you discover that some of the boards of the hull have rotted, and even begun to disintegrate completely. In order to fix the boat, you don't tear out all the boards and nails, and throw them all away. You don't buy a new boat. You simply replace the boards that have rotted.
The Final Solution
My suggestion on how to fix the problems that you have pointed out is simple. Rather than try to alter what we already have in order to prevent stagnation, introduce new things. And do it constantly. I fully appreciate the effort of the immortals and everyone else here in trying to constantly improve the MUD. And so I have faith that once some of these changes that have been promised start rolling out, peoples' concerns about stagnation and lack of development will be assuaged.
So in conclusion, while I again appreciate your effort, your determination, and your love for FL, I don't think this change is right for this MUD.
