Sometimes they're random people who just started the game. Sometimes they're folks who simply like playing alone. Sometimes they're experienced players simply grinding up XP/CBills or who's friends aren't around. And yes sometimes they're folks who are simply not good at the game. PUG is sometimes thrown around as an insult. In this case, it was not intended that way.
No, this isn't about how we could balance PUGs to be better, this is about how you as a player can make a PUG better. As a community, it's our responsibility to shepherd new players and help make the player experience better on a community level. That means, when you PUG, do your best to help your PUG win or at least have fun.
1) Communicate - Sure, some PUGs will ignore you, but some pugs won't. Hey, if you're reading this and you PUG, hopefully you're one who does pay attention to chat when you can, so why not try to work things out with them. Even simple things like "LRM Boat, give me targets" can help.
2) Know a simply plan and suggest it. - We're not talking about organized advancing formations, but a simple "Any mech faster than 90 KPH head to X, everyone else head to Y, then the fast mechs join us at Y and we'll make a stand there" can do wonders.
3) Offer advice - Hey, we were all new once. "Hey, SRMs can't fire over 270M", or "LRMs don't do damage under 180m". Sure, you died if you're able to see that, but you'll help bring up the quality of play for everyone.
4) Stick around occasionaly - Sometimes you'll learn something. Occasionaly you can turn the tide in a battle. (I once directed a lance mate by spotting the shut down atlas on the grid for the final kill)
5) Make friends - Sometimes you can't drop with your preferred team, but that doesn't mean that you can't find some random folks to play with that you met in a PUG earlier.
6) Go with the flow - Sure a PUG plan might not be great, but sticking with them at least gives them a better fighting chance.
7) Stop griping - Complaining how dumb a PUG is isn't going to win you friends. We all know not every PUG player is going to be MWO gold, but complaining about your PUG while you're fighting along side them isn't good for moral, and you might even end up taking an "Accidental" friendly fire shot or two.
8) Don't get frustrated - It's ultimately a game folks. You get whipped, you tip your cap to the other team, and you load back up to do it again. You dropped on your least favorite map? Don't ragequit, as you're basically punishing 23 other players from a potential good match. Occasionally you'll find a gem of a PUG game.
9) Not all PUGs are bad - I have some epic PUG stories, and have had some incredible PUG matches, and not all of them were wins (My 747-750 Alpine loss a few days ago, or losing in a Stalker/Atlas duel where if I'd gotten one more shot off I might have won instead both stick out from a few days ago). Hang in there.
If you expect a PUG to be bad, and treat them like they'll always be bad, well, you'll probably find what you're looking for.
Edited by Bront, 18 September 2013 - 05:39 AM.