The old system:
1) You request an item from a kindly NPC.
2) If no one kills the NPC (and it would be rude if you did, since you're both good-aligned), the object never returns until the game reboots or crashes.
3) Less scrupulous players log on right after crashes to hoard said equipment.

Coming soon to a reboot near you:
1) You request an item from a kindly NPC.
2) If no one kills the NPC (and it would be rude if you did, since you're both good-aligned), the object will return after a very long (RL hours) delay.
3) The NPC will wear the object in question, to better protect itself. This conveniently advertises the object to good-aligned passers-by.
4) Logging on right after a crash is now not much better than logging on at any random time. People who are playing, instead of camping, win.

valguarnera@carrionfields.com