Though this is not really to the topic, I feel that I should at least respond to your concerns :-).
Yes, your experience of trekking sounds a bit boring. No need to AF, unless it is an alt account. Everyone can contribute heals, I don't see why anyone would turn that down - it is only 1 hp between life and coma.
Advantage of Ryzom's system: you do not have to group with low level players to be able to work together. A higher level player can still work with you out of team for all damage dealing skills you might be working. If you want to work heal or afflictions you can be low level and earn XP in a group with a higher level player. You are not limited to who you group with because of your skill level and you are not bound to those areas unless you are only grouping with other low level players.
Looting while leveling will give you enough mats to sell for dappers to purchase your TPs and then some :) Crafting said mats into items will give you even more dappers for your mats plus crafting XP plus the benefit of learning about mobs/resources/materials/recipies as you go along. Find a few missions to do as well and you can earn dapper (and possibly fame) for doing the things you were going to do already anyway. Also, there are many homin out there who don't mind helping a young refugee out with a few dappers here and there.
I just feel that the idea of a free city portal system would detract more from the game experience than it would enhance. There is a lot more to traveling/exploring unvisited regions than just meeting up with other new players.
Edit: Sorry for duplication of what Erizon posted - I was apparently preparing my post while she made hers :)
Yes, your experience of trekking sounds a bit boring. No need to AF, unless it is an alt account. Everyone can contribute heals, I don't see why anyone would turn that down - it is only 1 hp between life and coma.
Advantage of Ryzom's system: you do not have to group with low level players to be able to work together. A higher level player can still work with you out of team for all damage dealing skills you might be working. If you want to work heal or afflictions you can be low level and earn XP in a group with a higher level player. You are not limited to who you group with because of your skill level and you are not bound to those areas unless you are only grouping with other low level players.
Looting while leveling will give you enough mats to sell for dappers to purchase your TPs and then some :) Crafting said mats into items will give you even more dappers for your mats plus crafting XP plus the benefit of learning about mobs/resources/materials/recipies as you go along. Find a few missions to do as well and you can earn dapper (and possibly fame) for doing the things you were going to do already anyway. Also, there are many homin out there who don't mind helping a young refugee out with a few dappers here and there.
I just feel that the idea of a free city portal system would detract more from the game experience than it would enhance. There is a lot more to traveling/exploring unvisited regions than just meeting up with other new players.
Edit: Sorry for duplication of what Erizon posted - I was apparently preparing my post while she made hers :)
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Peace, Luv & Cookies,Inifuss