Ah, but that is not the same as training with another.
One of the unwelcomed changes that severely curtailed community activity at the YMCA, was the introduction of the 'anti-macro' code around the Age of Shi..tems' time. Prior to that, the roof of the tower was bustling around the clock, with players sparring (thus learning and gaining in skill) and house healers at hand to make certain that nobody came to harm in the process. I spent weeks and months myself, just helping others to train. We exchanged jokes and stories and laughter - and the comraderie that turned a tedious pasttime into a favored community activity was unmistakeable.
And then someone...some clueless fool...took it upon themselves to determine that allowing any skill gains within houses (even public establishments!) was tantamount to actively encouraging afk macroing. While their avowed target was those who used trapped pets or NPCs for gain, the ones who were hit the hardest were regular players who just wanted to play with their mates. (Sound familiar?)
In Felucca, sparring outside the building on the lawn was never a good option, as anyone who flagged ended up as swift bait. I long campaigned for a return to sparring for gain inside large, public buildings, but finally gave up.
I do not know if that remains the case, Tom. I would hope that it no longer is!
