Originally Posted by
Adanamir
A few thoughts on traits and customisation. As a few people explained in detail, the current trait system indeed offers far greater flexibility than a tree-based system would. If I have to compare with the mounted combat trait lines, the main difference is that in mounted combat, you have the option to assume roles, but they remain basically the same within the same class. Yes, you have some flexibility as you can switch roles on the fly, but there is no more flavour than that.
The beauty of the current system is that you have the option of sub-customisation within a given role. Yes, it doesn't always work optimally, and some traits remain more valuable than others. However, this system provides for far more variety than having only three uniform roles. Furthermore, hybrid builds are actually the best thing about LOTRO, as they allow players to experiment. I don't mind specialisation and classic roles; however, I enjoy the freedom of being able to play the way I like. Yes, I may be as effective as someone who specilises in trait line, but I'll be having fun, which I think is the most important part of any game.
It is quite sad to see that we finally get the option of switching trait sets (as in mounted combat), but having our choice reduced considerably.