Him who plays not really shouldn't be writing games... If Marc isn't playing any RPG's, then it answers some questions, best left implicit rather than explicit, about his choices.
It is a loaded question, and one very relevant to his T5 release. MOST game designers I've communicated with DO game. WFRP2's Chris griped about not having time during the playtest. Greg Porter and Greg Stafford both take an active interest in their fanbase, and also run their own games. Ken St. Andre still runs T&T PBEMS AND has a FTF group. There's doumentary evidence of play by the designers of all the GW games... I disagree with their rules choices.... Monte Cook plays, at least occasionally, at cons. The Hackmaster staff all play often. Steve Cole has a regular SFB group and an RPG group. Deep 7 have addmitted in the past to playing when they should have been writing.
If Marc has quit playing, he's less likely to actually understand the complaints of his fanbase. His answer on this alone could make or break a number of people's decisions to purchase... it is VERY relevant, and yes, EXTREMELY inflammatory. But it also is driven by Marc's uncharacteristic (For Game Designers, not himself) lack of response. Ultimately, it's a question which could make or break T5.
and Hirch, i couldn't come up with a better wording; I thought of several other wordings, all equally poor. I still think a better wording is needed.
But, having given it some time to percolate:
"Given the dramatic size of D&D's following, how has Traveller managed to survive in the market?"
Pointing out flaw in a question's logic IS constructive, if you don't (mis)perceive it as an attack.
I tend to be rather curt in person, too; please understand it's not an attack.
