This thread is still relevant IMO. While I understand these changes have been coming for years. Loot box keys were our first clue after Mordor. Things have definitely picked up speed here in the conversion to moving any and everything to the LOTRO store.
Last patch was rep tomes.
The most recent patch:
Raid groups on landscape nerfed
Raid groups in the Moors nerfed
In game food nerfed
Barter for end game raid completion - odd and sort of nerfed
Incomplete patch notes and silence from SSG.
LOTRO has lost its glow with changes like this that discourage groups and other recent changes too numerous to list. It has nothing special to offer anymore. It is another run of the mill game with cartoon characters and a store to meet all of our in game needs. Game play and group content not required. Store purchases necessary for enjoyment and progression.
SSG does not have time to fix the lag but they have time to nerf groups, nerf food, nerf who knows what else, etc. If the lag and performance issues were just at end game that might be a good strategy. Get people there before they find out how poorly the game performs. Since lag is everywhere from beginning to end game it will probably be a bit less effective.
One would think SSG would encourage groups and group content in an MMO but I am obviously old school there.
The supporter packs seemed like a great step in the right direction. Give players something to buy that is not P2W and is worth spending money. Then people found the food was nerfed.
SSG seems to be combining all pay platforms from all game types into one game. Pay for content. Pay for subs. Pay for loot boxes. Pay for in game quality of life items. Pay to get to the end game. (Paying for cosmetics, mounts, pets and housing items is the only one I am not criticizing. That type of purchase makes sense to me.) This current move to micro transactions also says a lot about what SSG thinks of the intelligence level of the player base. I feel insulted that they appear to believe I will mindlessly point and click and give them my money for nothing in return.
All performance issues, bug and problems will be fixed soon. Movement of in game quality of life items to the store will happen soon. Soon has so many different meanings.
Next patch and update should be a real winner. Can't wait to see what they move to a click here and pay button. If they didn't get something you like this time, wait. It is coming to the LOTRO store soon. On a positive note log in issues and lag are free.....currently.