I don't think anyone meant to offend, I dont think Marxman meant that comment to reflect directly on you.
The three players that responded to you (myself included) are self admittedly not the best PvPers themselves. And like you, also don't spend the most time online.
I know both Marxman and Nao have gone out of their way to view the game from different angles. And I'm sure they appreciate the world and lore that has been created for us all to enjoy.
On player interaction.
Again no offence is intended, but.
When was the last time you logged in for ZC? Who do you play with? What do they play like?
What I mean is, when did you last interact with players in-game? A ton of stuff has changed. Including waiting for ZC. No longer do we have to wait for activation. The Ramon Alarm5000 will alert you to any enemies lurking around. It does make for faster play.
But anyway.
From what I see, and have always seen 95% of the time. All the shit talking is kept in the forums. And if you look at FOnline forums...We don't have it too bad at all.
For the most part players get along and communicate their ideas to the best of their ability to reach the ultimate goal of having fun.
Now, the server has matured a little, and the current player base consists mainly of those that have been here from the beginning.
Who (despite their differences) work together to create and maintain a sociable and healthy environment for all. Until the time population increases.
Tonight alone, I have played with a good few (Maybe 10 at its peak) players and communicated with them all to varying degree.
Hearing Stalker give orders or say "good job" on mumble (Yes he does that, sometimes).
Or perhaps seeing your squad sneakers RTS pings point out enemy positions.
Courier saying "Um ded, blyad they got me while I was typing" in the side chat.
Its all good communication. You gain a kind of rapport with other players and learn how to play alongside each other most effectively. What they will/wont do, or indeed can/cant do.
The learning process alone (For me) Would have been near impossible without that magic saying "Gather grid!"
Now, lets get back on topic.
I don't think many/any of us would have got to that point of understanding and social comfort within AoP. Without that magic saying "Gather grid!"
"Gather grid!" - I wonder how many times this line has been typed.
While "@grid" we get a chance to see what our team has brought to play with.
Make alterations where necessary and indeed have a talk about tactics, trade ideas. And of course chat about the weather in Phoenix today.
Oh wait, who is this? Joe Newman and his friends are running by. "Want to play with us?" Good thing we were at this grid or we might have missed them.
Adding stash spots would take a lot of this away. <---Its not facts. Its opinions.
When the server wipes and and that faction base is full. Better know I'm going to be typing
"Gather grid!"
"You know the one"
But really, above
all that. Just fuck all that for a minuet.
Above all of that, the thing to remember is...