The SOE Development model revealed

[Doppler]

Alright here's the way patching should hopefully work.

Data is collected
Forums Read
Patch is conceptulized
Patch is tested "In House"
Revisions Made
Patch is tested "In House"
Patch is uploaded to test server
Data is collected
Forums read
Revisions made
Revisions uploaded to test server
Data collected
Forums read
Revisions made
Inhouse testing for final glitches in revisions
Patch goes live.

Here's how it seems to actualy work
Patrch is conceptulized
Patch is uploaded to test server
Post and broadcast annoying messages about test server
Exact same patch is uploaded to live reguardless of data.
Send spork to insult peoples inteligence on forum.
Project lead switches jobs so to better conceptulize expansion pack and LLU system to generate more intrest in the game.

My solutions to fix at least partway.
Delay the expansion, 2 new vehicles and a change in the way the game is played is not dynamic content. Prevent subscriber cynacism by providing more "free" content.
Extend free trial to 30 days. Reduce cost of game retail to 20$ and include free keychain.
Allow all characters on test server to start at BR20, thus giving you a better snapshot of what weapons people will use regularly.
Delete all characters on test server everytime a new patch is being tested.
Initiate a trouble ticket system for bug resolution, get at least two live human beings on 24 hours a day for each server to handle customer complaints/run events. Assign one person 24 houyrs a day to sort and upchannel or resolve trouble tickets system wide 24 hours a day. In a pinch recruit volunteers to accomplish this task. It worked for UO for years.

I'll end this rant here because i'm starting to run on.