Hey,
I'd like to thank everyone for voting and expressing their opinions on this topic, it is much appreciated.
I would like to say that at no time am I trying to say Composers do not deserve benefits from putting the work in, far from it, I just think that the benefits don't have to go so far as to be able to create near epic level buffs, especially (for example) in terms of Flinch and Smashing Hammer. A cap at 300 for stat altering buffs would still create many potions that are better than invented pots, and many potions that would be best in class, and be well worth creating.
Composing only buffs are excellent and are worth the wait to get there and create.
I don't think arguing that the buffs we get now are overkill, so reducing their upper composed limit won't make any difference in the difficulty of the game is entirely useful, as I am considering the effects of these buffs as the game goes forward. But Rowbeth made a very good point in that it isn't HCS that talks about needing to make the game harder, only some voices on the forum, and HCS has not tended to respond to that specific issue.
I do think it is more difficult to make any claim that you want more of a challenge in the game if at the same time you like the idea of the current potion level caps in composing that make killing even high level SE and titans unproblematic. As the majority in this admittedly small sample size seem to do.
For a long time, for me personally, the challenge in this game has not been about defeating monsters, but in managing resources. That really means managing stamina. To me this is a stam management game now. I suppose it always was - we only strove to 1 hit in order to be more stam efficient. It has always been about extracting maximum value from stamina available. I thought it worthwhile to ask forum contributors what they thought of composing buff levels as they will impact the ability of the game designers to create statistically challenging creatures going forward. If a majority of players do not mind the absence of that challenge in the game, and view it as a stamina management game also, then there isn't much to be concerned about.
I am not worried about my own access to these buffs. I will slowly work my own way up the composing ladder. My guild has access to these buffs when needed now.
I suppose my concerns about access to these potions will be resolved by time. Eventually level 50+ composers will be commonplace throughout the game. Until that time there will be a potential disconnect in terms of access to higher level buffs, which will give those with access an advantage over others when facing the most challenging monsters, and when challenging each other. Time will, I hope, solve this issue as high level composers become more widespread. And, those who currently have access can't be penalised simply for having a gung ho composer in their guild. So it is what is is, in effect. I just wish the upper limits weren't quite so god like for some buffs. That would make the discrepancy in access less overwhelming for those currently out of the loop. Scripting involvement in composing is another kettle of fish, but that is for HCS to address.
Thank you again to everyone who has contributed to this thread.
Edited by Belaric, 12 March 2015 - 13:21.
