And I am not impressed. It would've been way far better (™

I remember when I tried EQ2. When I went out to the dock and clicked on the bell to call a ship to go to Freeport. When I got the dialog box that said I had to pay to do so, I shrugged, logged out, and uninstalled it.
As for the NPE, I'm trying to figure out of it's a good thing or a bad thing. On the one hand, it makes it a lot easier to get started understanding the game. On the other hand, now anyone can figure it out. The old learning curve acted as a sort of filtration system - only those with the will and interest to stick with it would stay. Hence, in part, the great community.
I love Ryzom, and I sincerely apologise for making such a negative post. But I'm feeling depressed right now because I hear this suspicious hammering sound...