Excellent summation of what I have always thought was a basic flaw with EQ2 and its tiering system. I dont raid much like I didnt really raid in EQ1....The difference here is that back in EQ1 i was always jealous of the raid gear people were getting and it sorta provided me with a twisted form of incentive to keep playing and trying to better my character....In EQ2 that doesnt exist...once I have harvested enough rocks and logs im set..sure Ill see a nice Fabled item on someone from time to time but in the back of my mind i know that come next expansion it will be vendor trash....That provided little incentive to do much of anything besides chat with friends. "In EQ1 I couldnt raid much but i wished I could" "In EQ2 I cant raid much and I am glad cause im not missing out on anything" THat may have very well been their intent with EQ2 but I think its having far far reaching negative effects on the longevity and "coolness/fun" factor of the game....many of which we wont really realize for another 2-3 expansions....assuming any of us are around that long.