People who ninja for their companions

Exactly right. What I get from their argument is basically a "Roll" or "Pass" system is fairest."

brightest way to try and gear anyone up.

Troopers would only roll on heavy armor with aim and droid gear, as a quick counter example.

Can you also let us know if you think it's fair that Troopers have much fewer opportunities to roll NEED for their companions compared to other classes?

See, the problem with this, as I see it, isn't about the amount of people that are doing it. At first, your point was exactly the point I was making. But what started changing my mind was the fact that the people rolling need for companions - no matter how much of a minority they are - are making a very good case (IMO) for that roll. I'm not talking about the trolls, but the people that genuinely believe it's appropriate in this game to roll need for a companion.

Unlike alt specs or alts in general, a companion is FAR more integrated into your character in this game. It really is a new paradigm. The companion really is a fundamental part of your character. It's not just a cool option or a choice. To a lot of people, it's a required mechanic that was implemented in the basic design of the companion, so much so that an item you bind to your character is also bound to that companion.

I'm not saying their stance is right. I'm saying it has merit. And to completely disregard these people as jerks or greedy based on our experiences in games that didn't have companions, is unfair, in my opinion. Maybe it's better to consider their opinion. And it's certainly not appropriate to assume that someone who rolls need for a companion is being a greedy jerk. I submit that is very rarely the case.

When I pug, I roll greed for companions. Always. When I play with my wife and our friends, we roll need for companions. Why? Because a companion holds much more weight in this game than a pet or an alt or even an alt spec. You might disagree with that - which is fine - but many people believe that, and they believe it sincerely. That doesn't make them jerks.

And furthermore, considering the amount of sales this game has made, I'd say it's a safe assumption that this is a LOT of people's first MMO. To act like the community driven rule of thumb on this is common sense is simply untrue. If you need an item for a companion, and a box pops up with need on it, it's perfectly reasonable to think that the item is something you can roll need on. The community rule is (in my opinion) the less logical rule.

Also, just to let you know, I'm sure you'll find posts from me that contradict what I'm saying here. If you want to play a gotcha game (not saying you do, but just letting you know that IF you do), you'll win. That's because I've changed my mind on this one.

I think there would be much less drama if everyone asked about the loot rule upon the formation of the group and (if they don't want to do that) accept that rolls might not go in a way they want.

Companions have changed the paradigm a bit. It might not have changed it enough to warrant a change in this unwritten community standard... that's up for debate... but it has changed it enough to stop attacking people that roll need for a companion. In this particular game, it's not as clear as you might think.

Why don't you give us the reasons for all three buttons to help us understand why you're fighting to keep them. Maybe this will clear up some of the confusion...

1. Do want
2. meh, I'll take it
3. do not want.

I'm pretty sure I've posted this a half dozen times in the last week, and that at least a couple of them are in the thread.

1. Do want
2. meh, I'll take it
3. do not want.

I'm pretty sure I've posted this a half dozen times in the last week, and that at least a couple of them are in the thread.

On Ilum pvp, no companions.

In flashpoints, no companions.

In ops, no companions.

Companions are there to help you to do missions and help you with crew skills. Basically they are there for the purpose of solo play.

do you want to play where everyone will roll need on every single pieces of gear?

I mean every one will roll need because there is no way to compare what pieces all your companions are wearing.