@Wolf1955 thank you for explaining your perspective to me, and you as well,
@xivarmy. It honestly clears up for me alot of the conversation when it comes to "pre arc" discussion that occurs in the forum from time to time. And I can also understand you referring to Gvg in relation to the early days of the game, as that is not a very long time into it, and I'm not sure how successful FOE was prior to that implementation but it's safe to say it became more successful after the fact, whether as a natural progression or directly related to Gvg/ soks, I have no idea.
I can appreciate that there would be a nostalgic feeling toward how the game was played and I don't think anyone should be beaten down for expressing an opinion or opening a discussion on a forum, which is often the whole point. But rather a productive exchange...
One of the things I like most about FOE is the interactive aspect. I've never cared, prior to this, to play a game where I had to engage with other people, I typically avoid them. But clearly I dove in and find the players and guild members who are willing to help out and offer advice or goods or knowledge is awesome. I enjoy playing GE and do not GVG (my guild does not GVG and I've only been in 1 guild prior to my current one). And yes we are individually rewarded for completing GE, my main goal is always guild power and trying to be the winning guild at the end of the week... and I often find myself frustrated that there isn't more participation from my guild mates (the are no requirements) to the point I've considered leaving my guild for another that does have requirements for their members. What's the point of HOF if not for the guild? Certainly they are of no benefit to the individual. I have 7, I believe, in my city and I'm sure I could find something that would be more personally beneficial for me to fill that space. My OBS, I obtained painstakingly and actually purchased the last BP with diamonds as it was elusive otherwise. IMO that was only for the benefit of the guild. I built a DT thinking eventually I would like to be a reasonable goods dealer, they can be hard to find in P world. Seeing new players grow and come into an understanding of the game is immensely satisfying for me. I think there are all kinds of ways that you have the opportunity to be a supportive team player, if you choose to play your game that way. Or not. That's kind of the beauty of FOE, something for everyone. And it seems they have definitely implemented things over the years that have made the game "easier". But I imagine it's good for their bottom line. And I, personally, have invested more time and energy in this game then any other and in the beginning, money. (Lessons learned the hard way).
Anyway, I guess it's just all in the way you look at it. Find a good guild that is supportive and interactive and conversational (that's a big one). It has a big impact on the game (I'm sure you realize that). But that would be my advise... and on another note, wouldn't it be cool if inno introduced a "throwback" world. Less events, no arcs, whatever was going on back in the day that made it enjoyable for many long time players? ... and no I don't need to hear this is on the DNSL, for any mods that may want to chime in... I think there are alot of people who would appreciate something like that, new players included.