Originally posted by Mustaine
this whole thing with the arenas though does disrupt one thing... things like RJO. now some didn't like that, others did. one thing it did do was bring a the community together a bit, and helped the rooks overcome their low numbers before it was started. it is a shame soemthign like that can no longer realistically function. i kind of liked being one of the defense people in that, when the knights / bish tried to backdoor the horde there were certain people who's job it was to defend even while outnumbered the back lines.
Having been on both sides of the RJO, it seems to me that part of what was attractive was that the RJO encouraged a sense of community that was otherwise lacking, ie squads cooperating, large well organized groups (not the mindless hordes, but still not something I would like to see every 15 minutes, mind you), lots of chatter between groups that didn't often communicate. It just made the cartoon world seem a bit smaller, and a bit friendlier. Anyway, it's only my opinion, but I can't help but think there would never have been any need for something like that in a smaller arena.
The only real issue I see with slap's idea is that country changing, for balance or whatever reasons, is antithetical to many people (even I was that naive in the past, but a few tours on the other 2 chesspieces cured me of that), and I'm not sure how many would tolerate being told, effectively, that their ideas of right and wrong and fair would no longer be accepted as valid. Considering how many are upset now, I think HT's right. There would be a great deal more unhappiness than there is now.
But yeah, it would definitely force some balance, and would make some sort of adjustment to the new world a necessity, and not an option, which is one benefit of the new system over what you suggest.
Personally, I like it, but I'm a little more flexible when it comes to this type of thing. I don't care who I get to shoot at.