We all know that most people go for end game content in most servers. Especially Icecrown server. With 3x xp boost most people are trying to get to the end game while very few actually enjoy other content.
What I am suggesting is to make a mechanic that would allow you to view through the eyes of other people while they are raiding/dungeoning. Mostly raiding considering that it is that content that most people strive for. This would allow guilds to train people in how to do raids properly while not impeding their own progress. It would also allow more people to get in tune with raiding and raiding mechanics before they go in screw everything up and never get invited again.
With having something like this people to be less wary about letting new people into raids and allow the new people to get a good grip of what's going on before they actually get in. Because let's face it. No one is doing anything outside of ICC in the Icerown server to learn how to raid before actually stepping into a raid. (short of training videos and tactics charts)
There would be major limitations of course. You can't just click on any random player or guild member and poof watch em raid.
You would HAVE to be invited by the raid to be able to view in Spectator spot.
If being outside an instance would be mechanically a problem then you could have a special location inside the instance itself that is cut off of the rest of it so they cannot participate at all.
The only thing they would have in this room would be their viewing "source" (item or object whichever is easier to implement) and an exit portal (kicks you from the instance to your hearth or other location.
You would have to get to the instance yourself (this would disallow people too low level and locks to work appropriately). No summons at all for a spectator into the instance. You enter as a raider or as a spectator period.
You cannon gain souls, experience, or reputation ect... while being a spectator.
There could be a limitation as to you can only view through the eyes of guildmates only. (it would keep people from spying on other peoples tactics)
You would not be allowed to see cooldowns, buffs, unbuffs, action bars, but may be allowed to view life, mana, rage, energy, and runic power. Perhaps the map too if it won't impede too much on content revealing. (this leaves room for people to learn themselves what to do with their own raiding experience)
You may have to have already raided, not completed, but raiding in that instance before your allowed to view that raid (downing at least one boss) or
you may have to be eligible to raid that instance (such as instances with only one boss). This could also be locked in other ways, like you can't view an icc run without having completed Forge of Souls, Pit of Sauron, and Halls of Reflection. And vice versa you can't view ruby sanctum without first having downed the lich king ect...
You may have to be technically "in" the instance so you can't just pop in and out at will. You'll just be locked in the single room until you choose to leave.
-You'll be in the "Spectator Zone" for the duration of the raid.
You can't view from a dead person... you'll be kicked over to the next available person to view or back to your room in your own view.
Most importantly the raid leader can mute, and/or kick spectators at will. Or better yet when a boss is engaged spectators are automatically muted (they can't help with the fight this way, or coordinate tactics, it would be up the raiders to complete the fight on their own.
These points are up for speculation, revision, alteration, deletion, or addition. (These are suggestions and possible thoughts, not rules)
This concept would work like the arena watching mechanic. No participation whatsoever but still able to watch things happen. I mean if anyone wanted to watch a raid they could look up any number of thousands of videos on video streaming sites (yeah you know) to watch raids. This way they can learn tactics and teamwork through actually experiencing it through seeing it in action.
This could be a new revolution to raiding that allows everyone to be a part of it not just the geared, super geared, uber super geared ect... It would also allow more collaboration between members; More socialization (it is mmo after all). There are people who have been playing for years, and some like myself who have only played for months before finding this awesome private server. I think it could spice things up to new levels of awesomeness.
The best part about this is it wouldn't change anything but a bit of surprise from the bliz like experience. The surprise you suck leads to more people rage quitting then anything else I think. This would help.
Now if I was to tell you that I have watched ICC Heroic raided 8 times through the eyes of the tank but have never raided it before, would you be more or less inclined to allow me to try and tank a raid?
Anyways this is my suggestion. It is a suggestion not an inquiry on content. I believe it could be fun and awesome to boot. Alternatively, if someone has downed the lich king has the best gear in the game, but their online, their id is saved, they have nothing to do, and they just want to hang out with their guildies and talk and carry on with them while they do their thing. That could be a thing too. Or your epically geared Guild Master wants to help the lower geared in their raids to become better or watch for mistakes and make suggestions for future raids or help them by telling them what they did wrong so they can improve. You get it there are endless possibilities to this.
If you made it this far thank you for reading my suggestion. Always if someone has an alteration, objection, or support feel free to post. If you are here just to flame this idea to be rude. Please don't. I put a lot of thought into this idea and ultimately it's up to the community and developers to implement or deny this.
Some people stream their raids on Twitch. You can check Warmanes Stream page for currently active streams or suggest someone from your guild to stream the raids if you want others from your guild to experience them.
With all the limitations you have listed in your suggestion, I don't see any big advantages over a Twitch stream.