Wow talk about a convient arguement LOL, I am right because the "silent majority" is for me. Maybe the "Silent Majority" hate short icons but just don't bother to post? BTW I can point to several failed games in the "computer gaming world" because they refused to listen to their player base. Everquest comes to mind, they were fine while no competition existed but when WoW came out they started to die, BTW my son worked for Vivendi at the time WoW came out.
Thanks for the headsup DD since you think ignoring the problem will make it go away, no sense in talking to you any further or having anything to do with anything you run.
I never said "I" was right about anything or that I had the "silent masses" on my side. I said "I" had no issue with the devs or CMs changing settings (and hopefully with the intent of finding/fixing balance or enhancing gameplay). That isn't a right or wrong view, it's just stating my own tolerance of change.
As for the "silent masses", I used that phrase because its rather unlikely that "all" players actually post on any game's main forums, in fact, I'd bet most don't even read, let alone post on, forums other than to look for hints, tips, and tech support. So it's humorous when the "nay sayers" claim that they have the majority when its more likely the majority probably doesn't even know there's a debate, or even care. And I never said anyone was wrong for their opinions either, I respect and will defend anyone's right to their opinions...but I will (and did) take issue with those making threats if they don't get their way. That's a confrontational/bully tactic and only serves to make those that can make the changes, decide against doing so for no other reason than they are now angry. "You attract more flies with honey...." and that whole bit.
As for your point that games like Everquest died because the developers didn't listen to their subscribers...it "may" have had some effect, but its more likely that people played the games well beyond their end game content and were bored, and the developers ran out of ideas for new content without it being "rinse and repeat", and they were probably ready for the "next new" thing anyways. It happens to ALL games (and even technology things like cellphones and DVD players) eventually, and especially when developers hit on something new and unique like Blizzard did with some of the features in WoW. Now it seems about every MMORPG has WoW influenced parts to it such as the talent tree system, and even some that preceded WoW have adopted WoW features (Star Wars Galaxies for example). Games are like technology, when the next newest idea hits, everyone floods to it until the next newest thing comes along..and when that happens...the old technology fades out over time (VCRs, Super 8mm, or 8 tracks anyone?).