When I start a new character I always find myself having a grand time playing in Academy for the first 10k WP, the playing field seems more level and lends itself to more competitive matches. However I feel that maybe the 10k wp cap needs to be raised or perhaps introduce an area between 10k wp and some new cap for players to continue having fun and being competitive with their opponents. New players are the key to this game taking off, and the Academy was a great way to get them into things, however once a new player spends his points and goes out into the world there is a drastic different feel to things. Running even with new suits and new guns (the best you can spec after 10k wp) you find yourself way under geared to compete (For the most part mind you, you can do well with skill but if we are honest someone with 3+ mil sp is going to have a distinct edge, and I am not saying they have not earned that edge).

I hope you do not misread me on this point I am not saying new players need and edge but asking them to go against matches of Prototype Logistics suits or what have you and corps of organized players is a little damaging to our goal of retention. I have a corp and know how important it is to have trusted squad mates, I see a lot of players without that luxury and feel they must be overwhelmed by the deep end of the pool, so to speak.

I know some may see this as a I do not like to lose post, I am not driving at that, I am seeking to make it more likely for Dust to keep new players interested and currently see a hiccup in that with the exile from academy play. I would love to see some sort of in between mode where players are left more time to play against similar level opponents and can then move into the world feeling more confident and in love with this great game.