Unpopular opinion, apparently – but I think the new naming policy is totally fair.
Don't get me wrong, I've got plenty of my old names (and a few new ones) on standby - but I have no problem logging in to maintain my "dibs" until I get around to fleshing out those characters. This policy seems necessary, given that we now have the ability to create 1000 characters (per server!), especially in a free game. If you don't have some kind of naming policy in place, you'll get people who camp out on names but never use them (whether because they're inactive or trolling). That's how you end up with a bunch of heroes running around with franken-names like CaptainJust1ce2 or 5qui5hyDud3-X.
Want to keep your toons' names? Level them or log them in. It's pretty straightforward. And it's really not difficult to get to lvl 6 so you only have to log in 4x/year (or even lvl 21 so you only have to log in 1x/year). Frankly, if you don't plan on logging them in that often, why should you have dibs on names that an active player would actually put to use?
Not to mention, you will only lose your name IF another player tries to register it. It's not like you get hit with the GenericStupidName001 hammer the second you cross that threshold. I'm really not sure why people are so up in arms about this... just calm down and enjoy your free game and 5000 character slots. Sheesh.
On another note – very excited for the costume contest! Will there be a category for multiple themed characters? Duos? Trios? SGs? Rivals? :)
Ultimately, I think these are all good and necessary changes. Thank you for handling the logistics so we can continue to enjoy this game we all love!
