The Time is Nigh (Crossrealm discussion)
I meant to write this for a while now, regularly starting and stopping as I realized that the most probable outcome is a brief discussion with the same few people that comment upon this topic, with nothing being done to address the schism that has disrupted an often overlooked part of this server's community.
Now, however, with the real-world experiencing a crisis unlike any in recent history, I feel that there is a potential for change taking place. Due to global lockdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Lordaeron realm is undergoing a population growth, and it is very likely that this won't change in the upcoming weeks, possibly months.
What I propose is simple - disable crossrealm for Lordaeron.
Why now? Well, there are and will be enough players to guarantee fast queues for both factions. What's more, these players are very probably a mix of new and old, both residents of this server that have stopped playing for one reason or another, as well as newcomers looking to exchange the reality of the global pandemic with a world where any disease is just one cleanse away. This means that the battlegrounds and arenas will be populated with characters across all stages of their PvP journey, from freshly dinged 80s to veterans from years past.
Going over the forums, it is apparent that there isn't universal agreement on whether crossrealm was beneficial or detrimental to the health of Lordaeron PvP community. I can say that for myself, I have been deterred from coming back here because of it.
Mind you, it is not because I wouldn't have the gear or the experience to go toe to toe with players from other realms. It is rather because the main reason that I started on this realm were the features put in place to sustain the spirit of community that has been on official realms in the early days of WotLK and WoW. These measures served to create a connection between the players, and give them the reason and time to maintain it.
To keep this directed at crossrealm specifically, I feel that it removed what I came here for PvP wise - going to battle with people I know, against people I know. Seeing the roster and knowing that there is reliable support to count on, as we have to face off against champions of the other side that I know will put up a good fight. Reading the posts of others, I am not the only one to feel this way.
What I suggest could be seen as a trial. Disable the crossrealm feature for a limited time, and see how the realm adapts.
Will the PvP community be revived, with Dalaran sewers once again bustling with activity and battlegrounds being filled with honor?
Keep it disabled for as long as it so.
Will the players of Lordaeron reject this change, preferring to rather face off with people from Icecrown and Blackrock?
Revert back to it, confirming it as the right choice.
tl;dr: now is the time to disable crossrealm for Lordaeron and see its impact on the PvP community