cmopatrick, on 30 October 2012 - 09:25 PM, said:
maybe we don't even need to change the matchmaker... instead, give players a selection in their options to drop only in all solo pug.
further, MWO could add an arcade selection that would give them access to customizeable mechs, have no repair bills, and have nerfed heat... of course, they would not be allowed to drop with main community members in any such mechs, and they would not earn experience points (mech or gxp) or cbills that would apply in the main community (only to their arcade mode),
while it might seem at first glance that they would be (in essence) second class citizens in MWO, instead it would allow them to play in a less hostile environment while they learn to pilot their mechs. some folks will not want to stay at that level, we can help them understand that with their improving skills they can switch to the "real" MWO where there is a grind and a cost to progress. yes, some will stay at the learning level: no problem, the no premade rule would keep better ones from doing their own version of pug stomping.
think of it like the 3rdp/nh/ua that a LOT of folks in mw4 played for a long time (don't ask me why they did it, but they did). to the extent that they were supporting the franchise, the maps, the servers... well, i would submit that they helped keep mw4 alive for a lot longer than it might have done otherwise.
just my $0.02.
I dont even think you need it that divided. Just have an option that you can select to only drop into an all-PUG match. Hell, make it so that you can only take Trials into that mode. It will give new people a chance to get their feet wet and get some practice on basic skills without getting rolled 8-0 and getting killed 30 seconds into the match by a hail of LRM fire.