I think a trammel only shard would be stupid, but if that is what the majority of people playing this game want then they should get it. I have often found that games that do not have risk vs reward get extremely boring extremely fast. I enjoy playing FPS (first person shooters) and pvp orientated rpgs. So I am playing these games to fight, where you seem to play these games to collect things, build characters and such. I think this is the real issue here.
There is a split, I would prefer more combat, more pvp, harder and stronger monsters with a reason to fight over them. You want less competition, more favorable drops and no reason to fight for them. That's cool I respect your reason for playing this game, but that is not why I play the game. You and I would constantly be at odds regarding moving the game forward and improving things. I use that as an example but it's how the entire game is, some want more fighting some want less and it will continue on forever and ever. Apparently darkfall is failing (last I heard UO has more people), so I guess most people who want this instant combat, pvp style game are getting more and more into FPS, and the "Trammel" type games are what people want.
Point is a trammel only shard seems like the worst idea I've ever heard, but if it keeps people playing then go for it. I just tend to think that if you are not playing UO for at least some of the pvp experience (top notch in large battles, top 3 of any game), then you would've moved onto a game like DDO or WOW. DDO is story driven group pvm that is perfect for roleplayer types and has beautiful graphics. IF you are just wanting to kill monsters this is your game, the pvp is pretty horrid and extremely limiting. WoW is a little more balanced in pvp/pvm but you don't HAVE to pvp in wow to have fun. All games have upsides and downsides, but nothing can compare to UO's freedom and UO's combat. I just don't ssee how someone who enjoys to collect things, build characters and not enjoy pvp at all would put up with the stuff UO throws at us on a consistant basis. If I only wanted to PVM I certainly would not be playing UO.
Also the general chat talk is soo soo sooo toned down compared to most games that I can't see how it bothers anyone. It seems like people just log into most of these games to yell and argue with one another. I have a high tolerance for putting up with BS, so I am not even phased by most of what is said. I'm just saying tho if you are offended by UO you are in trouble if you ever go to another game.