Mardur,
First there is nothing "bad" about using absolutes. The problem is if you use them on an easily debated statement regarding how "all" people opposing vent are nostalgic larpers it makes you look extremely ignorant. Im giving you the benefit of the doubt assuming sassy hyperbole.
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Second there are plenty of reasons not to use it (in a non-pvp game). Here are some opinions and some facts:
* It adds a layer of complexity (initial set-up) to an easy game.
* It for some (ie twice as many per the poll) ruins the RPG element, thus making a game less fun. The benefit better be painfully obvious.
* The spoken word is often more difficult to understand due to mic quality and accents. We all dont have broadcasting training.
* Vent was created a while after the game was launched. That means classic Fear raids and Trak. My guild was raiding Ssra w/o it prior to PoP. No clue if the officers used it...they were pretty bright tho.
* Having open mic night for the guild rarely brings people together. High stress makes people irritable and chatter is less annoying in text. People often like to to hear there own voices which can negatively impact morale.
* The game isnt that hard with hotkeys. Pulling, CH chains, etc. Its faster to bang a button and have people read than to yell a phrase. You can also scroll back up if things go wrong, "i said to fucking camp out...read it!"
* Voices carry inherent character judgement. Deep voices more trusting, squeaky frantic less so. It's not fair for a person in a mmo to be judged for their RL age, voice, or appearance. Its why we dont always choose humans.
* Some people are shy and dont want to talk who would type otherwise. Likewise people who lose tempers and yell can turn people off of the experience.
I have friends in RL and friends i meet online. Often the genres mix and occasionally i have met gamers outside the pixels who are very cool. We have other things in common besides loot and dragon killing, often not.
Personally, for me, voice chat doesnt build or progress friendships. Content over delivery of words. If i knew people would abstain from impersonations and squeaky yelling Vent would be fine. As it hasnt held back my gaming experience or goals in EQ I dont deem it necessary.
EQ is a game of skill for each player and strategy as a team. It's not reliant as much on timing. Build right, buff right...and wear the target down. MT transitions and CH chains come down to timing and often luck. The rest is just dice rolls and subtraction over a long fight.
For the record I've been a dps, off-tank, and puller on raids. Your opinions will vary and Im sure half of you have done things Ive never seen. I wouldnt dare think my experience is superior or the final word. The game has too many ways to accomplish the same goal
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Edit: I forgot the great point by Lovely...music! I would rather pump tunes through a headset than voices. Arent we tryin to escape the boring 9-5 grind of life? (or trading it for the boring grind from 1-60
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