I'd like to step away from the discussion of mechanics for a second, (mostly 'cuz I don't have the math to argue the finer points) and get into a little bit of philosophy.
The telling of heroic tales comes all the way down to us from before the Greek myths. It's practically built into our DNA. We know instinctively that the hero has to get smacked down a couple of times before he/she summons the fortitude, or has the necessary epiphany, to overcome their situation. And I'm all for games that give that experience. It's what drives the feeling of accomplishment when you succeed.
This concept and experience is much easier to tailor into a Single Player game. And as Kitsune points out, games aren't movies, and MMO's are something different altogether. The greatest Stories, Tales, Myths, etc. do not just entertain. They Educate. They teach us about right and wrong, charity and selfishness, industry and sloth. However, and unfortunately, MMO players aren't generally interested in furthering their education. :) IF we want them to keep coming back, so that we can all continue to play our wonderful game, we have to pander to the lowest common denominator. Sometimes, in a modern society, you have to say "Here, Johnny. Here's your path to winning, because we don't want you to take your ball and go home." or "It's ok, Suzie. You can play any way you want, because you're Special." I despise it, but I also recognize the reality of it.
So, there's my bias. I don't expect everyone to share it, that would be boring. While I'm not offering a resolution to any of the current discussions, I'd like to hear where people land in this one. What kind of experience are we trying to offer? Are we trying to be everything to everybody? Do you want to feel like the underdog overcoming great odds? Or like the juggernaut that sweeps all before them? Please don't misunderstand, I think both are valid mindsets for a game, and I suspect their will be plenty of room for both.
But I'd like to have a handle on the range of thought, here.
I agree with some of the things you said but not all. As much as I would like to think that we can educate AND entertain education is not our business. We're trying to deliver a game that some people might learn from but probably not. That's fine...as long as they have fun. I seek no higher purpose for CoT than that. Not everything in life has to have an ulterior motive.
That being said, we still have a monumental task before us. We're trying to provide FUN...one of the most nebulous and hard to describe words I know. We all know that what's fun for some is not fun for all. We can try to cater to a narrower range of players to give them a deeper, richer experience but there may not be enough of those to support the game. A wider player base means more income and thus a greater chance to succeed but now we're catering to a larger audience.
I have faith that we'll find the happiest medium we can.
I remember when Star Wars was cool...a long, long time ago...
I dream of being a cosmic-powered college professor, anchored in myth and history and legend, but peering into a future full of light and learning and amazing things. In the City, I was able to indulge that dream. In the new City, I'd like to do it again.
I'd love to learn new things in the City and teach them to others, too. However, that can be very difficult when so many of those citizens just want to be the l337'est. I suggest we let the Devs concentrate on creating a really fun playground for us. We can craft the learning opportunities and put them in the Mission Creator... I promise to try out your mission... right after I Go, Hunt, Kill Skulz.
Be Well!
Fireheart