@Mek2
This thread is turning into yet another edition of 'let's blow this out of proportion to make it sound worse than it actually is'. The valid points here are few and far between, chiefly being that changes like this shouldn't be pushed in the middle of an event that requires battling. That's really the only problem. Most combat in this game is already done outside of a PvP scenario, so delaying its availability is not going to hinder a new player's ability to learn the combat system. Going up against continent map opponents is much more informative than attacking a bunch of players who never took the time to replace the default 2 spearfighters on defense. Wouldn't you agree?
Pushing back PvP (and only PvP) to the late Iron Age doesn't really have as far-reaching implications as some of you want to claim. Remember that it goes both ways - a player without this technology not only cannot be attacked, but also can't attack other players. Players aren't going to be 'slammed' as soon as they unlock this technology because they're still going to be grouped primarily with players who do not have this technology unlocked (until they advance some more, that is). And when they do start getting attacked, how is this any different from a player who's barely finished the actual tutorial and is already getting attacked by other players? Is being attacked while in the Bronze Age somehow more informative than being attacked in the late Iron Age, when you've gathered several weeks' worth (or more) experience with the game? I don't really think so.
I disagree on a few points and will strive to answer some of your (potentially rhetorical) questions.
The timing of release with the Halloween is NOT the only valid point. There are now Maharaja Palaces, Terrace Farms and Zen Zones that are immune to pillage due to the owners not moving their tech forward. These players, those I pillaged before the 'adjustment', had a strong iron age troop defense that were obtained from GE (unattached units). Drummers/Champs/Color Guards/Rogues also made stalwart appearances to defend their city. These players know a thing or two about combat, defense and have taught me a lot about successful pillaging strategies. They are now immune and can no longer teach novice raiders looking to work for the opportunity to see if the player not only has an excellent defense, but punctual collections. To me, this is proof that the change misses the mark of letting newbies learn the ropes and has unintended (Or possibly intended?) consequences.
I do agree that C-map is more informative than grinding 2 spears to dust. 2 spears also offer a good benchmark for 'when to auto-battle with minimal losses'. So that means there is some knowledge lost to early fledgling saboteurs.
The pushing back of PvP is fine in my book; it allow newbies to become invested so they won't quit after their first 24/48 hour goods production is pillaged (6dye). The problem is there is NO preparation, warning or information for that first pillage. Well, maybe the newbie will see the "Did you Know" that states you will be pillaged often, but I don't think that is sufficient warning or information for a player to feel in control. This could be remedied with a short tutorial quest (or mini-chain) that rewards an unattached slinger/war/horsie for the newbie to be inspired to pursue their respective military buildings. At the very least, they will be informed that collecting on time, especially for vulnerable long timer buildings (Longhouse/longer Productions), is important to avoid the ravenous corsair zerg.
I may have missed it, but I am not sure how we are defining 'long-reaching' implications. If a players first pillage is post tutorial or after a vague tech unlock a week, 2 weeks or 2 months later, the threat of a rage quit is there. If the objective is to mitigate that quit, information (tutorial) strikes me as a far superior way to give a player control than an hidden hand holding back the barbarians.
I'll have to read up more on
@sloppyjoeslayer and other's opinions on optional PvP. As long as there are no Palaces behind an infallible, arbitrary barrier while my soldiers, prepared to lay down their lives to bring home the sweet, sweet riches of the Maharaja, waste away watching the Palace in the neighborhood... It's cool.