ETA on Advanced Class change?

Still doesn't affect me. I don't raid either (or do any end game group content). That's probably why I don't buy this argument. To me, it seems that the only "guaranteed" raid slots are with friends and guildmates. If they relegate you to the bench as you suggest may happen, you need to find new friends and a new guild.

Also can't the same argument be made about anything that advantages one character over another? When they add a new tier of gear mods, I don't see anyone argue against it because I just spent two years "earning" my raid spot and now I'm being benched because this other guy already has the new stuff. Maybe raiders do make that argument ... I just haven't seen it. Because I don't raid and pay little attention to the SWTOR Raid-verse.

I realize you're not making this argument. You're simply providing an example of what others might argue. It just seems a tad flimsy to support denying a feature people want. Personally, I don't want it. And you make a decent point about why it's not in the game now. The crux of my post was intended to highlight the fact that, unless a change affects how I like to play, I don't care.

Again your point of view

It's hardly a point of view when only facts and legitimate definitions are used. I am sorry that you thought you would trip me up when asking me to explain the difference between the two, but definitions and facts don't lie. Hopes and dreams are another story.

I think the majority of players really don't care one way or the other.

why make a pettition fi you dont have hope in it?

Are you really that pessimistic and unreal....

It gives someone who plays a sorc dps to queue as a sith assassin just to skip the long queue and now you have a run with one healer and all DPS. The imbalance and abuse over all needs to be heavily regulated, and Dual spec added, long before this notion is even entertained.

Again, wrong definitions. A realist makes a petition knowing it could go either way. They are more interested in a real outcome, not an anticipated outcome. An OPTIMIST will make a petition and hope for the best and even expect the answer to sway in his favor. A Pessimist would make a poll and say "Not sure why I did this since everyone will just vote against me anyways."

You are an optimist, and somewhat of a philosopher. But a realist you are not.

Again, I'm not in favor of AC changes either, but still can't see how it affects me. To skip the long queue, the Assassin would have to queue as a tank. Your concern presupposes the ability to switch AC after the group is formed. This seems self-regulating. If I was in the group and the Assassin who joined as our tank wants to switch to Sage DPS, the answer is easy. One of us is leaving the group. The Sage/Assassin is definitely going on /Ignore. Also, maybe the AC button can be set up to not work if you're grouped. That would prevent the abuse you mention.

I agree in principle that changing ACs is changing classes. But it seems that, assuming enough players really want the option, any rational arguments against it can be overcome either in the implementation by the developers or regulation among the community.

Wrong, you cant split perception of reality from reality itself.

an Optimist, is someone with unrealistic wishes not based on reality
a Pessimist is someone with unrealistic wishes not based on reality.

A realist knows reality is complex hence his mind is complex and knows he can alter the world.

You act as u were a robot? no real perception or wishes, intentions?