>The Immortals don't care if you're happy or not.

This much is true, but on the other hand if you weren't happy, then why play? Noone is holding a gun to your head, forcing you to log in.

>Once upon a time, there was a PK/RP mud, where a set of
>immortals decided (wisely) that open crunching of numbers was
>counteractive to a roleplaying atmosphere.

OK, with you so far.

>The mechanics were still simple enough, that a player could
>intuit what factors affected his skills, and could have some
>idea of how a character would fare before rolling it.

Thus eliminating the need to play said character. Why play if you know how it's going to turn out? That's just not my idea of fun.

>Once upon a time, Immortals were Players.

Actually, in the beginning, the imms were imms. They had mortals, but with one or two exceptions, they played as imms. Most if not all of the current immstaff, started out as players, so they have a better grasp of the "common being" (The PC non sex term) mentality. PLaying without a grasp of the numbers behind it all. Many of said imms were recent additions, in the last two or less years, and so have an even fresher memory of being an ignorant "Joe/Jane normal".

>Perhaps the staff that has inherited this mud has forgotten
>why they do not discuss code or numbers, regardless - you are
>not the first to be frustrated by it, and by the looks of
>things you will not be the last!

I pretty much agree, knowing how it all works just takes away from the fun of trying new thinsg and being pleasantly surprised.

>Testing things for yourself is futile. As the staff is quick
>to point out, they spend their time improving the mud,
>continuously updating code and implementing new features.

Thus you will never run out of new things to try.

>Thera is now a subtle beast, full of so many complexities and
>calculations, that you will perhaps never know why a thing
>works the way it does.

I'm just content to know it works at all. I don't need to take apart my 52 inch screen TV and 6.1 surround sound home theater system, and map out it's parts, just to be able to throw Braveheart in and enjoy me some Gibson-kicking-the-english-ass action.

>Those who know the code will be quick to point out when you
>are wrong, and their loyal army of yes-men will be quick to
>flame. Rest your fingers, preserve your reputation, and
>quietly play the game. Enjoy the sense of wonder that comes
>from winning a fight.

Frankly, I have a few things that I enjoy, that NOT many people know how to do. I like it this way. If everything was common knowledge, then it wouldn't be special. How did I find these things out? Trial and error.

>Long for the skill/spell just out of reach! Despair when it
>does not improve your character!

Because your character isn't just a list of skills and spells. It's a character and only has as much life and personality as you give it.

>But do not complain, friend.

Well, to be honest what good does it do? You either like the game, or you don't. If not, then don't play.