How would it work though? Would you fight with the gear you're wearing at the time of duel acceptance like an arena? What about buffs, etc?
Once duel starts - gear may be swapped at any point to defend / attack. It is up to the individual to get buffs, and/or use potions at their discretion beforehand. It won't be a random start - both involved will know it's coming, so preparations should be made.
If it's like open pvp you'd each need to get a chance at hitting first for it to be fair, i.e. two fights where each person goes first, if it's a tie have another two fights, etc.
There would be a set bout duration - for example 10-15 mins; once it begins both parties may attack at will (the duration between attacks will be much less then the 2min restraints put on BH - 15 secs sounded great to me) -and a hit cap could be set (20 kills for example maybe)
I think it'd be easiest to just have it as a 2 person arena, and you have the option of choosing whether or not moves are available, to give the option of a more tactical fight rather than just slugging it out. In arenas, moves give the person who can't afford the 1500fsp setups a better chance.
Buffs / potions / equipment all variable factors to be decided by the individual. Don't have means to have best set ups available to you - then your likely not equipped to be dominant in your range. I know many of great PvPers that have outstanding set ups pieced together from common items.
Arena, and PvP "Dominance" are night & day - in no way do I want the system to be a "safe" practice. Exp loss will still apply, and players concerned with loss or struggle should not apply.
Making it like arena with locked items, and set moves makes it for a far less tactical fight - buffs offer plenty of variable effects - some can be negative pending kit choices, and the ability to cycle through several different combat set ups make the suggested system far more challenging then the "arena" format suggested. Thanks again for feedback. I believe this topic is still a great idea, but doubt it goes much further, since after the following "PvP update" HCS will move on to non PvP aspects of game. So I hope they get it right, and I'm still happy to talk about this idea with anyone.