This might seem to be a slightly odd set of topics to combine, but as a player who runs 100% zerk on all pve grouping characters and expects the same from other groupies, a bit of explanation might be in order for the non-zerk crowd.
The reason zerk-groups work is because the DPS is so high that the target/s die before they can harm the group. Currently, having the entire team in zerk is over-kill. It’s FUN over-kill, but not really required to make the team successful — non-zerk pugs are just a tad slower and less fun.
We can tell instantly when the pug/s are not in zerk, but depending on how many of them there are, it may not really mater: 1 isn’t such a big deal, 2 yields some grumbles on vent, 3 non-zerk and we seriously think about just leaving and starting recruit over again.
If the DPS of full zerk players is reduced, our desire and willingness to carry non-zerk will be reduced. If it’s a big reduction, we’re going to start insisting on 100% zerk for every single member — no more shrugging and just carrying a low-dps player or class (or two) along for the ride.
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So, to support what I suspect will be much stricter grouping requirements that will come with a zerk DPS nerf, the LFG tool needs to be able to set barriers to joining, including default barriers you want for all LFGs you post:
1. Level barrier; eg. no character below L80 can join.
2. Gear barriers; eg. no character wearing less than exotics.
3. Experience barriers; eg. all-paths completed for the given dungeon.
4. Stat barriers; eg. no less than 50 AR, 10k AP, or XXX for power/precision/crit-dam/etc.
Barriers prevent playing and applying on a low level necro while intending to group on your L80 zerk warrior, but that can be handled by permitting people to apply as one of their other characters while actually playing something else.
Also, it would be nice if people applying for the group were placed in a pre-joining state/panel on the tool instead of simply popped into the group. This would permit crafting a nice balanced team; ie. you might be OK bringing one necro, but three is a bit much for you. Kicking post-join is a horrible option to rely on for attempting to craft a good team (you can’t see 6th+ apps and some take it personally rather than as a group-pruning method).
Edited by Moderator.
