Quote Originally Posted by 'Vyndree',index.php?page=Thread&postID=96466#post9 6466
Quote Originally Posted by 'Knobley',index.php?page=Thread&postID=96460#post9 6460
Unbeknownst to me Blizzard didn't intend that I be able to tame this pretty pet, but I tame it anyway
But it's not unbeknownst to you. This is my point. Zolo was NOT an exploit -- until Blizzard removed it.

Spirit wolves were NOT an exploit -- until Blizzard removed it.

Reck bombing Kazzak was NOT an exploit -- until Blizzard removed it (and remove it they did... I believe it only took 24 hours for that one).

Even AFK'ing in the cave in AV was not considered exploiting until they implemented non-participation rules. They didn't even bother to warn people either -- they implemented the "change" the moment they started banning people.


We NOW know that Zolo is not intended by Blizzard, because they removed the ability to do it. CONTINUING to strive for the same Zolo-style leveling grind AFTER blizzard has removed Zolo would be ASKING for retribution -- don't you think?
To me, the line between exploit and unintended game mechanic is: did they dole out punishment? If they did, then it was an exploit and *similar* actions in the future will also be considered an exploit, people who do the new thing will be actioned. If they didn't, then it's an unintended game mechanic and *similar* actions in the future will also be an U.G.M. and changed without action-ing those that partake of them.

unintended game mechanic:
Spirit Wolf, Mojo frog, Kazzak*, training world boss or blasted lands servants to IF, standing in fires next to the auctioneers, being able to use DS and then BoP on yourself when that wore off, getting SSO supplies from Nagrand quest, etc.

exploit:
AFKing in BGs, win-trading, blowing up the AH with pets + living bomb / hakkar disease, PvPing from rooftops, Hunter FD pull to split boss/adds, using Deadmines to get to GM Island, etc.

I put Zolo into the 1st category. BG-non-participation was warned about before they started putting people in time-out for it BTW.


*as far as I know the paladin on Azgalor did not get banned and was able to keep the loot from the kill.