I've read some posts about people apparently spending a ton of cash on card packs hoping to get a specific loot card.  Has that happened to anyone on these boards?  I'm curious.

Probably unlikely that anyone here did, but I have a guildmate who still pays to play that bought a $99 box when they first came out. He said he felt cheap afterwards.

Most of us here probably did not fall for SOEs card scam, but I am sure plenty of other people did.

Just FYI, several 3rd party sites are listing the loot cards for vehicles at $250 or more. Yes, this is not a misprint. Not going to put the link here, but someone did on the offical boards in one of the TCG threads.

This whole deal is really upsetting some people on the official boards. But nothing SOE does chasing a buck could surprise me at this point....

No chance of me losing any money to SWG / SOE.

Left long time ago

If players cannot see through the scam by now, they really are dellusional and easy prey for $oe they are allowing a lottery type chance of recieving a loot card for a vehicle (e.g).

I really hope only a few people have been silly enough to have mass purchased these rip off cards, and those that did i hope feel somewhat silly and can see through the charade, and not do it again.

people buying these cards encourage $oe to invest more development time in this than they will actually adding new content, or fixing 5 year old bugs, or new bugs as a direct result of adding there new loot card shiny toys.

Stop buying them  Demand they fix the bugs and add meaningfull content not crappy grind fest collections etc.

And dont bother trying to tell me  the loot card team are a seperate team, the dev team  have to add the art and vehicle stats, or buff or whatever the item is into the game  thats a fact, it reduces manpower that could be otherwise making fixes, or new content.

Doubt I'll be spending $3.00 or $99.00 to rent some virtual card(s).   The Term "buying" lends itself to ownership of an item.  You simply can't own anything regarding $OE and expecially TCG.

$99.00 for rental of a picture of an item on a computer screen just to get a "chance" of another picture of an item on a computer screen.  Good work if you can get it.   LOL

Obvious troll.

Reason:

(a) You dont know how the TCG works.

(b) Speculation and undisclosed sources.

(c) ALL SWG players get FIVE Booster Packs FREE each month with 15 cards each = 75 cards for FREE each month - which can (and do) include rares and foils and in-game vehicles and loots. Yes FREE.

(d) No one needs to spend a penny on more cards unless they WISH to purchase MORE booster packs (no reason to).

Originally posted by ssnautilus

Obvious troll.

Reason:

(a) You dont know how the TCG works.

(b) Speculation and undisclosed sources.

(c) ALL SWG players get FIVE Booster Packs FREE each month with 15 cards each = 75 cards for FREE each month - which can (and do) include rares and foils and in-game vehicles and loots. Yes FREE.

(d) No one needs to spend a penny on more cards unless they WISH to purchase MORE booster packs (no reason to).

Oh lol, I wasn't sure who you thought was trolling for effect.  Now I realize you think it's me.  Well I guess you can cast aspersions on my motives, but you really are mistaken.  My motivation for asking the question is to get an honest answer.  I really wonder how this has affected people.  That's it I'm afraid.
 

a) I know very well how the TCG works.

b) undislosed sources only inasmuch as I don't know the actual identity of people who post, but that's how these forums work.

c) the "free" cards are obtained by paying your subscription fee.  People used to get buffs and new vehicle schematics as ingame content, as part of the subscribed service.  Now, they have to pay a subscription fee and hope they get lucky, or they can try to increase their chances of winning buy purchasing additional card packs for real cash.  Even without the loot cards, new buffs and vehicles were never "free."  This is marketting spin.

d) if you wish to have the fastest vehicle in the game or combat buffs (more coming in the new loot cards, that are more powerful) you have to hope you get lucky with the monthly cards you get for subscribing, or you have to gamble for them.  I think SOE is banking on the idea that people will try to increase their chances of winning...now, rather than wait month after month hoping that something will drop.

There you have it.  Not trolling, and not after a specific "effect."  I've made some observations about the loot card mechanic that concern me, and I've asked if anyone has been negatively impacted.  Apparently some have, if you read the thread in the general forum. 

I have lost a lot of moneyy trying to get rare cards of any type when i collected real trading cards,

I don't understand why some people are so vehemently irate that others CHOOSE to spend money on buying the TCG packs and may obtain an item others worked for in game. Does that really affect one's enjoyment of their gaming accomplishments. Some people climb mountains and others use money to fly a copter to the top. So does the climber get up there and stomp their feet and cry havoc because he had to work for the experience?....I can understand annoyment but not the attitude of game-ruination that seems evident by some. And on the "underhandedness" and "greed" of SOE....people choose to pay for the cards on top of monthly sub. No one is holding a gun to anyone's head.

Originally posted by BarCrow

I don't understand why some people are so vehemently irate that others CHOOSE to spend money on buying the TCG packs and may obtain an item others worked for in game. Does that really affect one's enjoyment of their gaming accomplishments. Some people climb mountains and others use money to fly a copter to the top. So does the climber get up there and stomp their feet and cry havoc because he had to work for the experience?....I can understand annoyment but not the attitude of game-ruination that seems evident by some. And on the "underhandedness" and "greed" of SOE....people choose to pay for the cards on top of monthly sub. No one is holding a gun to anyone's head.

There are several reasons:

1.  It is a gambling or gambling like activity aimed at children and young adults through a video game.

2.  SOE has legally instituted a game mechanic through which players/sites can buy and sell credits legally, so long as SOE is pocketing the real cash.  SOE maintains that credit selling is against hte terms of the EULA, except in the case of them doing it themselves through a game mechanic they create to allow it.

3.  The only way to get this "new content" (except for an exceedingly small chance) is by paying more money, in a game that has subscription fee equal to the highest in the industry.

4.  SWG is still a fundamentally flawed and broken game, and instead of fixing some of the obviously broken things, they are spending all kinds of money/time on the TCG sideshow.

5.  SOE has a history of being shortsighted and changing the game to benifit themselves and not the game or playerbase.

How's that for a start?

Originally posted by Burntvet

Originally posted by BarCrow

I don't understand why some people are so vehemently irate that others CHOOSE to spend money on buying the TCG packs and may obtain an item others worked for in game. Does that really affect one's enjoyment of their gaming accomplishments. Some people climb mountains and others use money to fly a copter to the top. So does the climber get up there and stomp their feet and cry havoc because he had to work for the experience?....I can understand annoyment but not the attitude of game-ruination that seems evident by some. And on the "underhandedness" and "greed" of SOE....people choose to pay for the cards on top of monthly sub. No one is holding a gun to anyone's head.

 

There are several reasons:

1.  It is a gambling or gambling like activity aimed at children and young adults through a video game.

.>>>>...>>although not through video games(except maybe MtG)....so are are trading cards/card games where special cards..i.e rookie/foil/hologram/special attack...are involved..I am also willing to bet...(doh..gambling again).. that most of the SWG player base..at this time ..are not likely within the age bracket normally considered as "child".

2.  SOE has legally instituted a game mechanic through which players/sites can buy and sell credits legally, so long as SOE is pocketing the real cash.  SOE maintains that credit selling is against hte terms of the EULA, except in the case of them doing it themselves through a game mechanic they create to allow it.

>>>>>Their perogative..of course its in the EULA that nobody else should be able to make money off of their game...it's THEIR GAME. do you think Lucas would just allow any Joe the video game developer to make money off an unlicensed starwars game...well SOE has that license..paid for it..a lot i imagine..and they feel the same way.

3.  The only way to get this "new content" (except for an exceedingly small chance) is by paying more money, in a game that has subscription fee equal to the highest in the industry

.>>>> again...Their game...nobody's holding a gun to anyone's head. As far as fees being the highest in the industry...they are on par or average with most sub based mmos...I mean...there is free(of course most with RMT)...and around $15.00 a month(some with RMT)..with a just a few in between. Not so much the highest in industry for monthly...more like the standard.

4.  SWG is still a fundamentally flawed and broken game, and instead of fixing some of the obviously broken things, they are spending all kinds of money/time on the TCG sideshow

.>>>>i Agree...core game should be fixed..so don't buy cards  and/or cancel the sub unless this is rectified.

5.  SOE has a history of being shortsighted and changing the game to benifit themselves and not the game or playerbase...

>>>>>>true...they don't listen to player base, for the most part,...this is nothing new. If people aren't aware of this by now...I don't know what to say. I guess they believe if all remaining subscribers are willing to dole out $15 a month for a broken game...they'll pay more for some hassle-free..chance based perks...it's business. Know how to take a stab at greed hungry business practices?..stop feeding the beast.

 

How's that for a start?

>>>>pretty good.

 

  Not trying to be a smart-ass..just the way I see things...other than the above comments..I like the game..played til recently...just never bothered with the TCG.

If it's the children your worried about then maybe SOE can put an parental option to restrict further card use over and above the monthly sub. If the "children", however, were given enough confidence to have a credit card in their name. Then someone needs to speak with the parents. Otherwise, we can assume that it's adults making the purchases and leave them to their own fate.

Originally posted by Burntvet

Originally posted by BarCrow

I don't understand why some people are so vehemently irate that others CHOOSE to spend money on buying the TCG packs and may obtain an item others worked for in game. Does that really affect one's enjoyment of their gaming accomplishments. Some people climb mountains and others use money to fly a copter to the top. So does the climber get up there and stomp their feet and cry havoc because he had to work for the experience?....I can understand annoyment but not the attitude of game-ruination that seems evident by some. And on the "underhandedness" and "greed" of SOE....people choose to pay for the cards on top of monthly sub. No one is holding a gun to anyone's head.

 

There are several reasons:

1.  It is a gambling or gambling like activity aimed at children and young adults through a video game.

2.  SOE has legally instituted a game mechanic through which players/sites can buy and sell credits legally, so long as SOE is pocketing the real cash.  SOE maintains that credit selling is against hte terms of the EULA, except in the case of them doing it themselves through a game mechanic they create to allow it.

3.  The only way to get this "new content" (except for an exceedingly small chance) is by paying more money, in a game that has subscription fee equal to the highest in the industry.

4.  SWG is still a fundamentally flawed and broken game, and instead of fixing some of the obviously broken things, they are spending all kinds of money/time on the TCG sideshow.

5.  SOE has a history of being shortsighted and changing the game to benifit themselves and not the game or playerbase.

 

How's that for a start?

 

Originally posted by jaxsundane

Originally posted by Burntvet

Originally posted by BarCrow

I don't understand why some people are so vehemently irate that others CHOOSE to spend money on buying the TCG packs and may obtain an item others worked for in game. Does that really affect one's enjoyment of their gaming accomplishments. Some people climb mountains and others use money to fly a copter to the top. So does the climber get up there and stomp their feet and cry havoc because he had to work for the experience?....I can understand annoyment but not the attitude of game-ruination that seems evident by some. And on the "underhandedness" and "greed" of SOE....people choose to pay for the cards on top of monthly sub. No one is holding a gun to anyone's head.

 

There are several reasons:

1.  It is a gambling or gambling like activity aimed at children and young adults through a video game.

2.  SOE has legally instituted a game mechanic through which players/sites can buy and sell credits legally, so long as SOE is pocketing the real cash.  SOE maintains that credit selling is against hte terms of the EULA, except in the case of them doing it themselves through a game mechanic they create to allow it.

3.  The only way to get this "new content" (except for an exceedingly small chance) is by paying more money, in a game that has subscription fee equal to the highest in the industry.

4.  SWG is still a fundamentally flawed and broken game, and instead of fixing some of the obviously broken things, they are spending all kinds of money/time on the TCG sideshow.

5.  SOE has a history of being shortsighted and changing the game to benifit themselves and not the game or playerbase.

 

How's that for a start?

 

 

Yes..i am crying at the pwnage and SOE is an evil entity...mine eyes have seen the glory..amen..hallelujah

Originally posted by BarCrow

Originally posted by jaxsundane

Originally posted by Burntvet

Originally posted by BarCrow

I don't understand why some people are so vehemently irate that others CHOOSE to spend money on buying the TCG packs and may obtain an item others worked for in game. Does that really affect one's enjoyment of their gaming accomplishments. Some people climb mountains and others use money to fly a copter to the top. So does the climber get up there and stomp their feet and cry havoc because he had to work for the experience?....I can understand annoyment but not the attitude of game-ruination that seems evident by some. And on the "underhandedness" and "greed" of SOE....people choose to pay for the cards on top of monthly sub. No one is holding a gun to anyone's head.

 

There are several reasons:

1.  It is a gambling or gambling like activity aimed at children and young adults through a video game.

2.  SOE has legally instituted a game mechanic through which players/sites can buy and sell credits legally, so long as SOE is pocketing the real cash.  SOE maintains that credit selling is against hte terms of the EULA, except in the case of them doing it themselves through a game mechanic they create to allow it.

3.  The only way to get this "new content" (except for an exceedingly small chance) is by paying more money, in a game that has subscription fee equal to the highest in the industry.

4.  SWG is still a fundamentally flawed and broken game, and instead of fixing some of the obviously broken things, they are spending all kinds of money/time on the TCG sideshow.

5.  SOE has a history of being shortsighted and changing the game to benifit themselves and not the game or playerbase.

 

How's that for a start?

 

 

Yes..i am crying at the pwnage and SOE is an evil entity...mine eyes have seen the glory..amen..hallelujah

Why are you even trying to defend soe, by the way i think your tail feather is still on fire!

Originally posted by BarCrow

Originally posted by Burntvet

Originally posted by BarCrow

I don't understand why some people are so vehemently irate that others CHOOSE to spend money on buying the TCG packs and may obtain an item others worked for in game. Does that really affect one's enjoyment of their gaming accomplishments. Some people climb mountains and others use money to fly a copter to the top. So does the climber get up there and stomp their feet and cry havoc because he had to work for the experience?....I can understand annoyment but not the attitude of game-ruination that seems evident by some. And on the "underhandedness" and "greed" of SOE....people choose to pay for the cards on top of monthly sub. No one is holding a gun to anyone's head.

 

There are several reasons:

1.  It is a gambling or gambling like activity aimed at children and young adults through a video game.

.>>>>...>>although not through video games(except maybe MtG)....so are are trading cards/card games where special cards..i.e rookie/foil/hologram/special attack...are involved..I am also willing to bet...(doh..gambling again).. that most of the SWG player base..at this time ..are not likely within the age bracket normally considered as "child".

2.  SOE has legally instituted a game mechanic through which players/sites can buy and sell credits legally, so long as SOE is pocketing the real cash.  SOE maintains that credit selling is against hte terms of the EULA, except in the case of them doing it themselves through a game mechanic they create to allow it.

>>>>>Their perogative..of course its in the EULA that nobody else should be able to make money off of their game...it's THEIR GAME. do you think Lucas would just allow any Joe the video game developer to make money off an unlicensed starwars game...well SOE has that license..paid for it..a lot i imagine..and they feel the same way.

3.  The only way to get this "new content" (except for an exceedingly small chance) is by paying more money, in a game that has subscription fee equal to the highest in the industry

.>>>> again...Their game...nobody's holding a gun to anyone's head. As far as fees being the highest in the industry...they are on par or average with most sub based mmos...I mean...there is free(of course most with RMT)...and around $15.00 a month(some with RMT)..with a just a few in between. Not so much the highest in industry for monthly...more like the standard.

4.  SWG is still a fundamentally flawed and broken game, and instead of fixing some of the obviously broken things, they are spending all kinds of money/time on the TCG sideshow

.>>>>i Agree...core game should be fixed..so don't buy cards  and/or cancel the sub unless this is rectified.

5.  SOE has a history of being shortsighted and changing the game to benifit themselves and not the game or playerbase...

>>>>>>true...they don't listen to player base, for the most part,...this is nothing new. If people aren't aware of this by now...I don't know what to say. I guess they believe if all remaining subscribers are willing to dole out $15 a month for a broken game...they'll pay more for some hassle-free..chance based perks...it's business. Know how to take a stab at greed hungry business practices?..stop feeding the beast.

 

How's that for a start?

>>>>pretty good.

 

  Not trying to be a smart-ass..just the way I see things...other than the above comments..I like the game..played til recently...just never bothered with the TCG.

That is your opinion, and that's fine, but you asked (i.e. I don't understand why...) why some people are irate over the TCG and its implementation and various aspects.

That is what I provided, based on numerous threads, here, the official boards, and other places. Nothing in the way of hating on anyone or you or SOE. This is what people are thinking, in a general way, whether you agree or not.

I am sure SOE does not like all the negative hype they are getting over this, but based on their past actions, they probably don't care....

             I'm not really defending SOE...if it was Turbine and COH..with their shop charges..(paid $10 to change my name..sheesh)...or any other developer that  I had seen so many posts about..then I would have posed the question in the same manner. Not trying to offend either...Burntvet..I guess i took "How's that for a start?" as a challenge to how indisputable your points were.....just countering your list with my own opinions. Maybe being a bit insecure in the process. I'm human.

            Just happens that alot of complaining about the card shops in particular is running through various threads. SOE been doing this for EQ2 for a while...surprised they aren't doing it with all their games. I am defending a business to make money...legally...in any way they see fit and that seems to work for them. They own the property. We have the right to play it..in any format they offer...not any format we dictate to them. It is wise for a business to listen to the needs of their customers...it's sad if they don't....but in the end..it's their business to prosper or fail as fate predicts.  

            The other thing that bothered me is TCG in itself is not gambling....as I mentioned collectible cards have been exploiting and prospering off of children and adults for ages...some even offering cash prizes and or awards of varying degrees..not pertaining to the concept of the cards themselves. Is it right..who knows...it's certainly not poker or roulette in a smoky back room ...light glinting off the jack soaked ice cubes in a half full glass of bourbon. At least the TCG and SWG are similiarly themed. 

            It boils down to the fact....that none of the shite you get from TCG is actually needed to enjoy SWG. Just like I didn't need...but wanted ...to change my name in COH. People were enjoying it before TCG...some people never enjoyed it...some people used to enjoy it but can't now...apparently b/c someone else is running around with a cooler looking gun than them...oh well...sorry if I offended anyone. It's ultimately under our control ...continue to pay or just go away.

Why are you even trying to defend soe, by the way i think your tail feather is still on fire!

lol...CAW!!!!

Originally posted by BarCrow

I don't understand why some people are so vehemently irate that others CHOOSE to spend money on buying the TCG packs and may obtain an item others worked for in game. Does that really affect one's enjoyment of their gaming accomplishments. Some people climb mountains and others use money to fly a copter to the top. So does the climber get up there and stomp their feet and cry havoc because he had to work for the experience?....I can understand annoyment but not the attitude of game-ruination that seems evident by some. And on the "underhandedness" and "greed" of SOE....people choose to pay for the cards on top of monthly sub. No one is holding a gun to anyone's head.

Because it changes the very nature of how the game is designed.  Think about it.

Every single item, title, vehicle, character option now has to go through a decision process.  Does it get added to the game as content the players must defeat or buy with ingame currency....

-or-

do we put it on a virtual card and the only way it can enter the game is through people spending more money on the game each month. 

It is now in SOE's best interest to withhold content from the players and put it on loot cards.  This is the same type of content that they have used to justify subscription fees going towards "creating new content".  Ongoing development is not something SOE wants to do anymore unless there is a price tag above and beyond the subscription fee placed on it.

Right now the trading card scam is just the tip of the iceberg.  Trust me SOE wants to push this as far as they can and they do not care about the players.  You can see evidence of that in the fact that the card game is getting an expansion and the live game has not gotten one in over 3 years. 

SOE just wants money, they do not care about the players.

I understand all this...but can you blame them if people keep pumping money into the cash shop/TCG?...really?....This game in particular has undergone so many changes...is this still a surprise? There is no concrete nature of this game...any virtual game...it is malleable and under the developers/owners complete discretion. They are the cyber-gods of the virtual world to which they have license. Don't give them any more faith/money...that's all.  How about all who enjoy and subscribe...make a pact to just stick with the basic loot the game contains..if they remove all in game items to ensure success of the TCG...then beat each other up hand to hand wearing only your birthday suits...PvP in your BVDs..everyone on equal ground. Don't use the TCG/loot shop...and see how long the shop stays up if it is costing more to maintain than it makes.Ridiculous? Maybe. Doesn't matter b/c this would never happen... most players are just as greedy...its not enough to play the game...equally based on skill. We have to always be one-up. So SOE  (and other MMOs) make money on human nature. Like all business. Blizzard understands  greed so well they don't even need cash shops..but they will put them in anyway. Already mentioned I believe. Just a matter of time.

While I think SOE is wrong to basically backdoor RMT aka "macrotranscam" into subscription MMOs I think that at this point with them having such a proven reputation for greed and dishonesty anyone who chooses to jump in bed with Smed has no excuse for crying about the hemorrhoid problems afterward.

Look, these guys sold us an EXPANSION with features they advertised that the KNEW was going to be ripped forever from the game 3 weeks later and made sure to charge us for it a couple days before ANNOUNCING this.  Stuff like that isn't done by accident.  And as far as I know, no one got fired over that, nor did SOE even apologize for it, nor did everyone get a refund on that expansion so you have every reason to believe that a repeat is possible.

Originally posted by salvaje

While I think SOE is wrong to basically backdoor RMT aka "macrotranscam" into subscription MMOs I think that at this point with them having such a proven reputation for greed and dishonesty anyone who chooses to jump in bed with Smed has no excuse for crying about the hemorrhoid problems afterward.

Look, these guys sold us an EXPANSION with features they advertised that the KNEW was going to be ripped forever from the game 3 weeks later and made sure to charge us for it a couple days before ANNOUNCING this.  Stuff like that isn't done by accident.  And as far as I know, no one got fired over that, nor did SOE even apologize for it, nor did everyone get a refund on that expansion so you have every reason to believe that a repeat is possible.

 

Hemorrhoid problem lmao.  Man I'm still laughing about your choice of words.  Well, all I can say is that there's been a lot of "SOE made mistakes in the past, but we learned from them" marketting.  People believed that, I'm afraid, and some started with SWG long after NGE time.  Some of these got kicked in the groin with the chapter 6 combat revamp; but for many, losing their shirts gambling for podracers may be their first time in bed with Smed.  Maybe he should be legally obligated to tell each customer his business history before he gets into bed with them.  That would fit your analogy anyways :).  Either that or each new subscription to SWG should come with a tube of Preparation H.  Now THAT would be a product promotional

-_^.

Originally posted by ArcAngel3

Originally posted by salvaje

While I think SOE is wrong to basically backdoor RMT aka "macrotranscam" into subscription MMOs I think that at this point with them having such a proven reputation for greed and dishonesty anyone who chooses to jump in bed with Smed has no excuse for crying about the hemorrhoid problems afterward.

Look, these guys sold us an EXPANSION with features they advertised that the KNEW was going to be ripped forever from the game 3 weeks later and made sure to charge us for it a couple days before ANNOUNCING this.  Stuff like that isn't done by accident.  And as far as I know, no one got fired over that, nor did SOE even apologize for it, nor did everyone get a refund on that expansion so you have every reason to believe that a repeat is possible.

 

Hemorrhoid problem lmao.  Man I'm still laughing about your choice of words.  Well, all I can say is that there's been a lot of "SOE made mistakes in the past, but we learned from them" marketting.  People believed that, I'm afraid, and some started with SWG long after NGE time.  Some of these got kicked in the groin with the chapter 6 combat revamp; but for many, losing their shirts gambling for podracers may be their first time in bed with Smed.  Maybe he should be legally obligated to tell each customer his business history before he gets into bed with them.  That would fit your analogy anyways :).  Either that or each new subscription to SWG should come with a tube of Preparation H.  Now THAT would be a product promotional

-_^.

One thing we know is that SOE never provides lube before screwing their customers.

Never have, never will.

How many times  (thinking of the infamous group XP nerf riot and reversal) have they acknowledged "we have made mistakes in the past, we will improve communication so this doesn't happen again" ?  I think at least 4-5 times by now.  They continue to not communicate (at least for meaningful things) and keep making "mistakes".

Which leads me to this question:  Are they stupid or are they just...  Well, incredibly mentally deficient?

 The "senate" was never a solution, since it is chosen by the Devs for their meritorious "NGE sucking up" service rather than who the players want, hence the travesty that people like BadgerBanger and Elyssa ever were "Senators".

Originally posted by ArcAngel3

Originally posted by salvaje

While I think SOE is wrong to basically backdoor RMT aka "macrotranscam" into subscription MMOs I think that at this point with them having such a proven reputation for greed and dishonesty anyone who chooses to jump in bed with Smed has no excuse for crying about the hemorrhoid problems afterward.

Look, these guys sold us an EXPANSION with features they advertised that the KNEW was going to be ripped forever from the game 3 weeks later and made sure to charge us for it a couple days before ANNOUNCING this.  Stuff like that isn't done by accident.  And as far as I know, no one got fired over that, nor did SOE even apologize for it, nor did everyone get a refund on that expansion so you have every reason to believe that a repeat is possible.

 

Hemorrhoid problem lmao.  Man I'm still laughing about your choice of words.  Well, all I can say is that there's been a lot of "SOE made mistakes in the past, but we learned from them" marketting.  People believed that, I'm afraid, and some started with SWG long after NGE time.  Some of these got kicked in the groin with the chapter 6 combat revamp; but for many, losing their shirts gambling for podracers may be their first time in bed with Smed.  Maybe he should be legally obligated to tell each customer his business history before he gets into bed with them.  That would fit your analogy anyways :).  Either that or each new subscription to SWG should come with a tube of Preparation H.  Now THAT would be a product promotional

-_^.

LOL....how about ButtBacta...the newest in rear relief...from SOE...the people who raped SWG.

The NGE could use a load of this: