As a U.S. expat living in Singapore, I wouldn't mind switching things up either. Usually it isn't a big deal but after staying up too late last night playing I wanted to jump right back in after work! As an aside, first time I have seen you post in a long while Artemis =)

Cartel Coins are not needed to unlock either companion. You can use CC to override other requirements, but they are not solely CC purchases, so any claim that "real money" items shouldn't be changed has even less validity here than normal.

Here we go: 10-22-08 and 5331. Dizamn. Oh well, thanks to name losses and server transfers, my scoundrel (created as early as possible in the early start) the Outlaw Parry Rann languishes under an alias.

When the probe appears, it is commented that it has the same configuration as a probe/ship/something (I forget) that attacked Korriban, so Marr and the PC knew at that and it has already occurred.

I can't believe virtual currency has no actual value... said no one ever.

My personal favourite is from Ord Mantel when you report the bomb obstacle course to the Ethics officer. "Nope. Refugees blowing up everywhere".

If I understand correctly, neither actually requires cartel purchase (for subscribers). I know I didn't use any cartel coins for either. Cartel purchase for these items are for convince, and as such, the purchaser has already gotten full value through earlier access (then they would if they raised legfacy or what not). I don't see that it should be a priority for BioWare to ensure the constant value of "RMT" items.

You have hibernation sickness. Your utility point will return in time.

Two hypercrates - Of course plenty of armoured interrogator sets. I assume these will be as unmoveable as the contraband runner. But, get this. 6 skiffs. SIX. No jet packs though =(. Also, my second platinum pack. A havoc armour belt. BELT. Question though, does anyone else think the Ravager looks like a retexture of the Jedi Myrmidon armour? I have to restrain myself, I have no clickies on my referral linkies =(

Well, I think you might be right as to the point of my response. But in all seriousness, the actual change form any specialized picking of stats is, let's face, not particular influential one or another. I think all the people grousing about this are just looking for something to grouse about. At launch I decked my companions out in purple PVP gear as well, and while I don't have any statistics to back this up, from my experiences that little extra expertise is going to keep your paper companions up for only a slightly longer time. In addition, this is an MMO expansion. Of course all your "work" is made useless. What would you do otherwise?

And how exactly were you making your companions more individual mechanics wise? Neglecting their equipment so they suck more than they should?

For Sith's sake. It is like some people can't or won't read. It has been implied that YOU CAN DO EXACTLY THAT. They all but said you can kill Skadge in the live stream.

The problem is it is a stupid question. It is not an actual question, because anyone with half a brain can reason out that the non-story companion will have no dialogue, being, you know, a non-story companion and not, let's say, a story companion. The question was asked to grind an axe about a change someone may not agree with. That is fine, you don't actually have to play the game if your panties are so wadded.

This is actually a good point. Treek will no longer be DPS go to companion as the companions become roll specific, which in my book is a very good thing as the player gets to level with the companion they want.

From all indications you don't have to take all new companions permenantly. You will mosty likely use some companions like Lana at least temporarily (since she rescues you and all) but ultimately it seems like you make her leave/remove her.