deadite

I think the population numbers on the popular freeshards speak volumes. Even if you *half* the active population numbers and call the other half "bots" or "macroers" you still have quite a sizable number.

And those are the folks who feel comfortable playing on a freeshard... Surely there are plenty of folks who would return to an EA-sponsored classic shard and steer clear of the player run ones.

If EA ever wanted to really hurt the freeshards, the best way would be to just give them what they have been asking for. Make it official and prepare for the flood of returning players.