This is the Monday, March 12th edition of Blue Watch. It was a busy week, and there are countless threads on every forum dealing with issues and questions that the Blizzard Community Managers have responded to. You can read a recap of the more pertinent posts below, with links directly to the thread in question.

General Forum Information

This week in Hotfixes 3/4 - 3/10

In this thread, Tseric keeps a list of recent Hotfixes applied to the WoW servers.

Coilfang Frenzies will no longer attack players in water outside of Coilfang.

Draenei "Graphics" and visual errors

In this thread, Nethaera replies that the issues are being reported as found, and thanks the poster for the great list of feedback.

Sorry if we never got around to responding to this. We've been reporting these sorts of things when we come across them but I'll make sure these are forwarded along too if they haven't already. Thank you for the nice listing of errors for the team to look at.

8.5 Million Subscribers? Is it really true?

In this thread, Drysc responds to claims that the recent announcements about subscriber and sales numbers aren't true.

We raised the population cap for all realms with the release of the expansion, as there's more land mass to be filled the population that was considered the maximum to contain a healthy world could be raised. I can assure you we've hit new records in player population and averages for nightly concurrency, but with the higher caps you're not going to see all the warning signs that a ton of realms are bursting at the seams. At least not as much as you may have before.

WoW Macro Scripting

In this thread, Tseric tries to assist the player asking about where he can find information on WoW Macro Scripting.

http://forums.worldofwarcraft.com/board.html?forumId=11114&sid=1

Why is Blue loot better than Purple loot in the expansion?

In this thread, Nethaera responds to the question, saying changes are forthcoming to alleviate the disparity between Rare and Epic items.

We have already started working on balancing the equipment in game a bit more with patch 2.0.10 with the corrections to socketing. There were some items that had to be adjusted to more appropriate values which meant some were adjusted down and others were adjusted up. This is going to be something we plan to continue working on over time in upcoming patches as we evaluate items that may not be living up to what we wanted them to be or are more powerful than originally intended.

Later in the thread she adds:

Some items were and are overbudget. Others that are under will be taken a look at as well and given a boost.

She continues to add:

If you notice, I also say that adjustments will continue to be ongoing over a period of time as they are felt to be necessary. There were many socketed items that just weren't functioning as they should have been so that was corrected however, all itemization continues to be looked at and adjusted. If yours didn't change either it was deemed as working properly and its numbers were right on or is a part of the items still being looked at and considered for more changes. Which it's slated for I couldn't tell you.

She then responds about more healing items being added to Arena rewards:

I'm not sure if anyone else has answered this or not but we do have it planned to add a healing weapon and shield into the Arena rewards in a future patch. I know many people brought that up as a concern.

She goes on to add even more:

I'm sure I'm getting to be about as clear as mud right now for some people. ;/

A guild opted out of the Armory website?

In this thread, Nethaera lets players know that this is not currently possible, but rather that it is a bug, though it may be one of the features added over the course of the site's Beta.

We are not offering an opt out option for anyone at this point in time and may be adding more features to the Armory in the near future of which some if it may have an option to opt out. However, opting out of the entire thing is not something we feel would benefit the intent of the Armory and instead would hinder its usefulness for those that enjoy using it.

Later she notes that the bug has been fixed:

I'm locking this thread before people start smearing peanut butter on their tin foil hats or something.

Fix skinning

In this thread, Nethaera lets players know that Skinning is on the list of professions which are receiving reviews to improve them.

All professions are getting some attention including skinning.

She goes on to respond about Engineering as well:

Yes, it's first on the list actually. If and when we get an approved list of things that are being done, we'll get them posted for you all. :) Hopefully that will be sooner than later.

There's also a preview forthcoming, as she mentions in the thread:

We're still planning to preview what we can for you however, we have to wait for things to be implemented so that we can say with absolute certainty that a thing is being done, and we have to get approval to post the information so that we aren't jumping the gun.

Why was Rexxar demoted?

In this thread, Nethaera explains that Rexxar is still considered Champion of the Horde.

His replacement I'm sure will do the best he can to fill Rexxar's shoes but we all know that no one can BE Rexxar but Rexxar.

Two accounts in the same household?

In this thread, Nethaera explains that multiple accounts can be played from the same household, though copies of the game cannot be shared; each account will need its own unique CD key to be created.

She can use your CDs to install with however she will need to still purchase her own keys to activate an account in her name.

She goes on to add:

Yes, CD keys. Every account has a key (or keys) associated with them that makes them unique. You don't need to ever use the key again once registered but you do need it to create an account and upgrade to the expansion should you choose.

Later, she shares more information on the subject:

I'll have to put in a question about the different names again. I haven't heard any updates on it.

Regarding the recent Druid hotfix

In this thread, Tseric comments on why the Druid hotfixes to threat from Mangle, and the Lacerate hotfix to do direct damage initially, were done.

Warrior's threat isn't as dependent on damage as Druid threat is. That is why the change was made, to adjust overall levels of threat and keep bear tanks working in such a case as bleed-immune mobs. A warrior has plenty of other options facing bleed-immune mobs. If we gave everyone a work-around for bleed-immunity, why bother keeping it in game?

Consortium Bag of Gems

In this thread, Nethaera responds to let players know that the recurring Bag of Gems not being available from the Consortium is currently bugged, and is slated to be fixed in an upcoming patch.

There is a bug with this quest at current where it is not resetting properly like it should be. This is being fixed in an upcoming patch. Unfortunately that means that everyone will need to wait a little longer until that patch is applied to get their gems and continue being able to take part in the quest.

Later she adds:

I honestly don't know as of yet. I think it will be closer to the time the fix is applied that we will find out how the fix is going to work exactly and let everyone know what to expect.

Mechanar Door and Elevator bugs

In [], Tseric responds that there are bugs dealing with the Tempest Keep: Mechanar door and elevator which are currently being investigated for fixes.

Please continue to report as much detail as you can on the Bug Report forum, so we can isolate particulars about faulty door/gate mechanics.

Developers and changes

In this thread, Nethaera explains that changes aren't as easy or simple as some might expect, and are always done for reasons.

Nothing is ever as easy or simple as people may believe. There are often far more issues to take into consideration than what most people realize. Changes aren't done to be cute. They are done because they are felt to be needed.

Sticky posts?

In [], Nethaera explains how to go about having your post sticked, but also warns that the Community Managers are picky about what gets sticked, to avoid clutter.

The best thing to do is to transfer over any posts that you have saved then use the report function and put in your request to have it reviewed. We are being a bit picky about what we sticky for these forums so that we don't get too sticky heavy so please understand if for some reason a sticky doesn't make the cut.

Forum Idea

In this thread, Nethaera explains how to more easily track Blue posts and access them immediately when viewing threads.

You could click on the blue icon next to the thread to jump to a blue post then use the blue icon on the top of the blue poster's post to jump to any other responses. ;)

How do I get my quest text to show up instantly?

In this thread, Tseric kindly helps the player out with a bit of information on the subject.

In the largest box of the Basic page on Interface Options. Far right side at the top of the largest box will be a box labelled 'Instant Quest Text'. Checked!

Raids & Dungeons Forum Information

The Lurker Below

In this thread, Tigole responds to let players know that a few issues with The Lurker Below - a raid encounter in Serpentshrine Cavern - have been fixed, and others are under investigation for fixes.

I'll keep you updated if we find out anything new. If we do, we'll do our best to hotfix it.

ETA on Gruul/Magtheridon tuning?

In this thread, Tigole reponds about upcoming tuning to the Gruul and Magtheridon raid encounters.

Right now, the changes are planned for 2.1.0. We'd like to see the changes on the PTR before pushing them live.

Later in the thread he adds:

2.1.0 is the next content update. There might be a 2..0.11 but that would be an emergency bug fix patch.

Professions Forum Information

No response to Alchemy System?

In [], Drysc responds about the discovery system added to the Alchemy profession with World of Warcraft: The Burning Crusade.

We do have some important changes coming on how flasks and elixirs function, and we'll be announcing those as we get close to the release of that patch.

Hunter Forum Information

Survival tree getting a review, and abilities for pets next patch

In this thread, Nethaera shares some news about the Hunter Survival talent tree getting a review to possibly make it more attractive for raiding, and also talks about Hunter pets receiving some new abilities next patch.

Survival is something that is being looked at as far as on the Raid end of things. The developers are looking at the Survival Tree overall but I want to emphasize that we aren't doing sweeping changes on any class but are still doing changes here and there that we get feedback on and feel are warranted from testing as well.

Here she talks about pet abilities:

I still have the same information as before for right now and that new abilities are being added in the next content patch but I don't know exactly what is being added as of yet. I think at this point it's just going to be a matter of waiting until we're a bit closer to it being released to the public before we'll be able to talk more about anything specific on that end. I wish I had more for you.

Paladin Forum Information

Need a response on endgame tanking

In this thread, Tseric lets Paladins know that there's close attention being paid to Paladin's and their ability to tank, and that there may be changes in that area on the horizon.

The devs actually mentioned today that Paladin tanking wasn't exactly where they wanted it to be and there would be attention paid towards that end of things. Overall, they do expect Paladins, Druids and Warriors to fill tanking roles in end-game, whatever they may be. While there may be a flavor distinction between tanks, we don't want to (or want the players to) find some rigid hierarchy by which classes are measured in their tanking potential to the third decimal point.

Shaman Forum Information

Fixing the Shaman class

In this thread, Tseric responds to the feedback and suggestions provided on the Shaman class in its current state.

I don't think the devs ever suggested it should have group utility. When taking your example, however, you are assuming the Shaman is healing or range dps'ing, which may not be in all cases. A Shaman switching roles and doing melee damage is going to see effect from this.

Later on, he adds the following:

The recent clearcasting change is a change to support mana-efficiency. The devs aren't opposed to giving mana-regen where needed, but it can also be dealt with through itemization and not just core, class changes. You also haven't addressed the point of Shaman being able to do more OOM than a Priest or Mage.

Warrior Forum Information

Can we get a new rage formula?

In this thread, Tseric delivers with the information requested, offering insight into the latest(2.0.10) rage generation formula.

Rage Gained from dealing damage = ((Damage Dealt) / (Rage Conversion at Your Level) * 7.5 + (Weapon Speed * Factor))/2

Warlock Forum Information

Does Fel Armor work with eating?

In this thread, Tseric, with the help of other Warlocks, answers the question.

Odd, but interesting and making me curious. If anybody has definitive proof before I can confirm(dang weekends), you get...ummmm....some sort of prize. Yeah.

Later in the thread, Tseric responds to a Warlock who answered the question:

That's what I was figuring, but the boards have made me crazy and demand that I fact check everything. ;)