>1) How can we make cabals more accessible to new players,
>without diluting their nature or reducing the appeal of being
>caballed? For example, if we let everyone pick their cabal
>and instantly join in the academy, cabals would be a ton more
>accessible, but I'm not sure that'd be worth the price.

Allow, for most cabals, automatic induction at, for sake of discussion, level 20. Then apply the maxim of easy in, easy out. This would need to be tailored to each cabal. Scion and Scarab would not likely see any change --too secretive and small. Empire is fine as is, i.e., take the Oath and prove your worth. Village took a step in this direction with the change to Applicants. However, I would go further in terms of automation. I believe it is easy for an immortal to check if a wannabe villager has a mage kill or two. I would move one more step and allow the wannabe to visit the giant and ask for applicant status. Make the mage kill check fully automatic (maybe a magic gear check as well). That's it. The applicant proves his worth from within, gets to enjoy some of the perks of being in a cabal and also has the responsibilities --help retrieve as applicable and slay applicants of enemy cabals. I can imagine each cabal having a unique take on such applicants and what is needed to move forward (or to get kicked out). I have ideas for automated induction (and criteria) for the other cabals if any imm is interested in hearing them.

>2) How can we create more value to lower level members in
>cabals? The olllld raiding system did a great job of this,
>even if the new raiding system is far superior in every other
>way.

As hinted at above I think they have value. You kill enemy applicants and help defend/retrieve as needed. Having to defend/retrieve is a necessary drawback to being in a cabal (with full or partial membership). And the level 20 cap makes such applicants useful I think. I also believe this is a nice progression for newer players. Learn the ropes in the academy and environs, come of age at level 11, learn to survive plus flesh out character and (hopefully) role by level 20 such that you gain applicant status at the cabal that fits your role... Beyond that you must grow and prove your worth to get full status.

One other thought, many (and I do this too) do not join a cabal until late as it interferes with leveling. That is fine but then the trade-off is that you can not take advantage of the auto induction route. This can only be done at level 20 (or some smaller range). But this point does not speak to the new player so I think it's a non issue anyway.