Q u o t e: Huge-d2fan The truth of the matter is no game comes to mind were there is not some sorts of glitches, exploits ultimately leading to cheats. MMO's like WOW and server structure (software), even have their issues, as well as other games (some may not be worth it as others). Frankly while many are willing to pay to play (you mentioned in an earlier post) with an online community, many are also not willing. Initial sales may drive away future sales...arguably...or even could have the adverse effect.
Regardless, the point it is the solution is not driven in one end all. It is a complicated and drawn out process to effectively keep users from exploiting the game. As time has gone on the methods to exploit Diablo II have been outweighed by the means to fix it. As continuously pointed out in earlier posts (and threads)is due to age, new technology (methods), limited resources of company (sales or technology still need to be profitable), seemingly endless resources of exploiters (boredom being one of them), and the unfixable holes that naturally exist in any action/reaction, and open chat based code.
Anything that is patched, can open up new glitches, or cause new problems. Any method that is implemented could have the same effect. Further, increasing search/ban capabilities (like Warden, Rust Storm. etc.) could further play havoc on user playability leading to more lag, uninterrupted game play, and so on (you could argue that Temp Restrictions had to be implemented to accommodate Warden's current capabilities). Entrusting user base (volunteers, game masters and so on) to carry out punishment (beyond communication) could severely increase liability. Having physical bodies diminishes funds. Complicating gameplay like adding immunities or complicating an area (level) also could have adverse effects.
All in all it is a very difficult balancing process to find the equilibrium of keeping spam and cheating to a minimum, allowing the flow of users and clear connection.
As far as D2 is concerned i agree with you. When you read my reply on page two again you see i have kinda accepted that the situation will likely not improve. However we are looking towards D3 and it wouldn't be acceptable to have the same issues destroying the fun for the majority of the players. Blizzard must be aware of this but it's a good thing players keep posting to say they want this stuff fixed.
I don't think it would be cost prohibitive to have a few GMs on every realm to instantly ban spammers. These GMs would be extremely effective because they cannot be tricked easily like an automated system. And liability issues would not arise if there is a clear ban policy right from the word go. The player accepts the Terms of Use when he/she installs the game and that covers it all.
