I sort of agree with @Mattcore37k up to a point … but I think theres a way to present a valid arguement without resorting to calls of Bullshit and getting peoples backs up. Im pretty dissappointed with the planet scenario too.
Firstly, I would regard myself as an HWS “fanboi” too. I think its a stirling effort to create an awesome community and although I tend to keep myself fairly much to myself (read carebear (read designing fleet over and over again becuase class’s keep changing)) I still respect the community, the creative work that has gone into building its environment, some great guys playing the game and the resilience of the admins, dealing with everything from mild abuse to software and hardware issues in a game which is still very much in active development. Anyhoo … I digress.
I donated for my planet relatively recently compared to most planet “owners”. I payed out of my own pocket, just before the change to seasons so was probably the last to pay the old price. We got a little use before last season, with the old rules, last season (short as it was) and this season pretty much no one is going there because of the CSW issues. The guys that have ventured there have had a nightmare although I understand its going to be fixed pretty soon which renders the planet useable, if a little inconvenient. It does appear to me that the planets have been sidelined somewhat and now dont represent the value they once did. Introducing donator space isnt such a bad idea, but not at the detriment of the planets. I loved the idea of having our own PLANET and indeed do enjoy it when I get there. Its pretty fucking awesome actually. Proviiding the CSW issues are resolved and the server hardware issues fixed, I can live with the CSW. Its not as bad as I thought it was going to be and seemingly a realistic and effective solution to the server problems on EU.
We all have to remember too, that HWS isnt a business (maybe it should be) and these guys rely on donations to keep the community growing, which is good for all, providing the game can take it, so of course they need to generate some revenue. Unless @RexXxuS is indeed a multimillionaire on a motorbike.
I was going to moan about the Class 4 drop to class 3, mainly because Ive spent weeks designig mulitple ships that were first rendered useless dropping to class 4, then after more weeks squeezing every little triangle out rendered even more useless, for real this time, dropping to 3. However, that said, its a great challenge designing NICE (not crappy cubes of crap) ships at class 3 for PVP and its actually turning out to be a good move. Still … class 5 Bases on Donator planets to give SOME value back would be very welcome.
Anyhoo, once again, great server, great comminuty, great admin and lets kill Tesla.