Sorry, I assumed that the impact combat logging has on the multiplayer experience was obvious since we've spent the last ten frigging pages talking about it. Why don't you just play in solo mode then? No one worth a damn cares if you combat log there.
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It would be preferable if they changed the mechanics of the game to take away the problems of combat logging, either through networking or simply with the way gameplay is rewarded. I can't imagine combat logging will ever really go away, even if you change crime and punishment....it'll lower it, but it's just so easy to avoid death by disconnecting. Better to find a way to make the encounter satisfying regardless of combat logging. And frankly, it should be punished by gameplay...it should be integrated as a mechanic that you use to your own detriment - costing you money or reputation, depending on the situation.
When my connection is being a pain, any mode is unfun for me, I'm being knocked offline every few minutes, so what's the point?
And we have pages of people saying there are no effects from people combat logging, it doesn't hurt anyone, it should be allowed, they only do it because they didn't want to engage in PvP in the first place. First off, it does hurt others, specifically the person you logged on directly is effected, and it can also have impacts on the BGS depending on the situation. Second, FD said it isn't allowed, there is a graceful exit you can use, log out via the menu options, that's it, and that rule is precisely because it DOES have a negative impact on other players directly as well as possible impacts on the BGS. Third, if you don't want to be engaged in PvP, don't play in Open, simple as that, FD gives you that option for a reason. Not to mention that it does seem the majority of the combat loggers aren't actually defenseless traders who are getting ganked, it appears they are people who engaged in PvP and realized that they aren't going to win and so they combat log to avoid the cost of their mistake.
The crime and punishment system ingame being revamped won't change combat logging one bit, it has nothing to do with it, anyone using that as an excuse is just using it as an excuse, they'll continue to combat log regardless. Direct punishment is the only thing FD can do that will possibly have an effect on people combat logging. Setting them to Solo mode only after they've done it X times for a week, no Group or Open options given. If they continue to do it after that week's punishement, make their Solo time a full month, no Group/Open options given. If they STILL continue to do it after that, remove Group and Open from their options permanently, they are obviously never going to play well with others, so no one should be subjected to their again. They can still play the game, they just can't ruin other people's experience in the game again, they've lost the right to play with others by their own actions, after repeated attempts to get them to stop doing it.
Or conversely, the Shadowban bit, remove all options except Shadow, which is an Open world populated only by others who've broken the rules, same time setup, a week, a month, and then permanently for people who refuse to follow the rules. Personally, I think the Solo option is better, as the people who combat log are doing it against other players and will continue to do it against other players, so remove that from them.