I had written this for this thread but it got alot bigger than I thought it would be so I've posted it in its own thread:
I think what UO needs...
1 - Server code re-write. From the top down so that bugs are eliminated, the code is documented and everyone knows whats going on. It would also allow for easier updates, increased server and player security and optimised for modern hardware. It should be possible to look at the databases and re-intergrate the data onto the new server code. Or at the very lest host new 'shards' and allow people to aquire one way transfers from the old shard to the new shard. There would have to be conditions to this obviously to make it fair and to ensure no-one looses out. Maybe adopt the Magacina housing system in prime areas and allow those with houses in those areas on the old shard 'credits'. It would also be an excellent time to offer incentives to those whom transfer over with deco or unique housing (With the new server code, this would be alot easier to design). There are alot of 'UO' emulators out there so if they can do it, why cant Bioware?
2 - Only 1 client. The EC client is a decent enough client but it does have its issues. I forsee that alot of these will be sorted within the next 12 months (The biggest issue is the artwork and that is being done now, so we're half way there nearly). there should also be an option within the EC to allow 'classic' mode. In that it operates and looks almost like the CC but with the benefit of the EC options. While I love the CC, I would happily switch over to the EC fully if it ment some major development for UO.
3 - New players. If the previous two are done right then a major advertising campaign to draw in new blood. As much as I love the Vets, there are quite few that hold UO back from what it could/should be. Maybe it would be worth (after the server re-write) hosting Pre-AOS shards (No magical items, insurance etc) for the old schoolers, while hosting the normal shards for the rest of the players.
4 - UO CSR training - UO needs Gamesmasters and CSR's who know what they are doing and how to fix stuff. The Migration is a step forward in this BUT the CSR's are hopeless, they dont have a clue what they are doing. Maybe it would be worth making it possible so that all the various EA Tech Support lines around the world could be diverted to a central UO call center that can help us poor mortals (Especially when we have an account STOLEN and there is no-one who'll do a damn thing about it).
5 - Offical UO forums that the players can directly interact with the Development Team. 3rd party sites are ok but they can be baised at times (I'm not suggesting Stratics is, but there needs of be an offical forum for UO). On this offical forum, players would be able to communicate with the Devs, Community Reps, GM's and CSR's. I'm sure a volinteer system could be ratified for Moderators and the such.
6 -With all of that there are a number of other issues that would need tinkering with. These are:
A - A massive gold dump for try to clear the excessive amount of gold in the system. This could be done by using the magacina housing system for larger housing like Keeps, Castles or simply by increasing the cost of castles and keeps to multiples of millions rather than under a million. Maybe even a return to the deeds rather than the placing tool? There could also be deco related gold dumps. These could be special titles, unqiue housing (Like the Malas castles etc),
B - Dungeons for newbie players. On Haven there is plenty of space to allow for a newbie dungeon that would allow them to explore and learn many of UO's traits. It could be quest linked and ONLY newbies allowed within it. There should be a mini champ that would drop rewards that are account linked to the player reciving it. These could be Soulstone fragments, Training statues, Newbie Arties or even special titles. The list is endless. Nothing that would make them overpowered, but help in thier training or give that character something special. As its account linked they cannot be traded so will not be farmed. Once they are no-longer newb status, they cannot enter the dungeon again.
C - Bring back Order vs Chaos. It was alot easier than the differing factions. Although that said the factions could be migrated into the Order/Chaos system. Also while we're at it, bring back the beheading of reds for rewards. The rewards could be like the collections currently, the more you hand in the higher the reward. Again these should be deco in nature. I could list up loads of ideas about this (Hanging corpses in tree's, scalps, murder'ers blood etc etc). Also make it so that stat loss is factored in with this.
D - Horse Armour. I play a paladin and eh, what paladin goes into battle with an un-armoured hourse? Also make lances a bit more useful. If your on a horse and you go charging in, you should be able to impale mobs and cause mass damage.
E - Lastly, what on earth happened to the Ultima religion? Where's the avatar? Does anyone care and if not, why not? Lunam the home of the paladins... and its got bugger all to do with religion in it! Same with Umbra, it should have undead minons walking the streets doing whatever thier masters desire. Saying that a way to dig up corpses would be fun too.. Maybe a quest or three?