As a designer of my own tabletop RPG (granted no where as successful or large as Destiny) I have dedicated a sizable portion of my life thus far to understanding what makes something both fun and meaningful. And the issue of year 1 versus year 2 gear has caused quite a stir amongst this community. Now: to be fair, I love Bungie. I know they are trying to listen to the community while still making a game that is THEIRS. Which, I mean, is awesome! But I've also heard that they consider carrying the same gear over the life of the game would (unanimously and unilaterally) be boring. I disagree: It wouldn't get boring. For some maybe... But not everyone, and letting players, not the company, choose when to change their gear is key. Let me ask you, does having the assault rifle in every halo game get boring? What about Sam Fisher's 5.7? If the weapon is an extension of a player's communication of self, why would that be bad?! Granted characters grow and change, but sometimes having that sweet trusty weapon that has carried you through hour after hour would be more valuable than the new shiny... Because of emergent narrative. Let players decide when to swap their gear. Example: My red hand nine is a wonderful primary. I still use it to this day. I've had it since vanilla. I ascended it to 365. Is if OP? No. By far no. But it has a story, and I was able to raise it to a competent level to play with my friends in end game content! Now: I also once, upon a time, had a "comedian" that has since been switched out for the Queen breaker's bow. Why? Power was a factor sure! But not the only one at play. I felt that the bow was a better narrative piece for me to express myself through my character. This is meaningful. It is a huge reason Destiny has/had draw for me over a lot of other games. More so since the designers stated that they wanted this for the players. Here is my advice: allow players to ascend / infuse year one gear and all following gear (legendaries and exotics) for the life of the game. This process implies cost. You have to keep bringing up an older weapon. Something that wouldn't have to be done if you just walked away from it. But give players the choice. Allow them an avenue to keep what they want and to chase what they want. If you do this I guarantee you will have a very appreciative base to continue building on this ambitious and incredible game. I hope you understand this position. I love you Bungie, and I hope that this is brought to your attention. Yours: LeThink Tank #Feedback #saveourexotics #bungie #help #learn #design #bettergames #respectourstuff #deej #ttk #thetakenking Edit: This post has over 100 on it.... That's big for me. I'm honored to even have one reader! Thank you all so much. This community is amazing this game is solid, let's all work together to make this the best we can! Spread the word! Edit: Cosmo posted guys!! This is amazing! I'm humbled to have him respond. I trust that he will relentlessly bring our clambering cacophony to the dev desks at Bungie. Cosmo, do it daily. Ceaselessly. If change comes, this community will be grateful. The game will be stronger. Internally consistent and on shalom. :) Very grateful for the turn out of the community on this. Thank you all!!!