My responses:<br /><br /><br />
#1. For 2008, should TD continue the Choose Your Own PURP program (at least initially, for each $XXX order), stick with the Randomized PURP (per $XXX order), or nix the idea altogether (going back to relying on the "00" bags)? Why?
<br /><br /><br />I definitely think that Jeff and friends should continue the Choose Your Own PURP program. I don't think I would have shelled out nearly as much money this year if one didn't get to choose the PURPS - it was definitely the key deciding factor for my decision.<br /><br />Another benefit with this approach is that it implicitly provides a ceiling for the value of any particular Purple (i.e. at least initially, no one should have spent more than $250 for one of the normal 2007 Purples). This is good because it encourages trading (vs. the eBay syndrome), and there are fewer incentives for theft and counterfeiting.<br /><br /><br /><br />
#2. What are the top three Purples printed in 2007 that should be taken out of circulation?
<br /><br /><br />I'd go with the Horn of Plenty, Scepter of the Dead, and the Gem of Healing.<br /><br />I chose the best Purple and the two worst Purples. The Horn is simply a logistical issue. The more Horns that are printed, the more tokens that will need to be given out every year. This creates an additional burden that will increase year by year if the Horn is discontinued. (So my argument is not based on "power level" but on economics and logistics). The Scepter and Gem are really weak. Not every Purp can be a Horn, but if they're going to keep some weak Ultra-Rares, I'd rather have them cycle things out (replace the Scepter and Gem with reprints of Potion of Cure Lt Wounds +10 and Neckless of Fireballs instead).<br /><br /><br />
#3. What are the top three Purples printed in 2007 that should be continued for next year?
<br /><br /><br />I choose +2 Holy Great Sword, +2 Keen Scimitar, and +2 Bracers of Defense.<br /><br />All of these are extremely sought after, and demand easily outstrips meager supply. To avoid excessive elitism and ridiculous eBay auctions, I think they should be offered again next year (though possibly in a limited way).<br /><br /><br />
#4. What are the top three Purples NOT printed in 2007, that should be reprinted and returned to circulation next year?
<br /><br /><br />Gearon's +2 Heavy Mace, Dragonscale Shield, and +2 Quarterstaff.<br /><br />Consistant with my answers in #3, I choose Gearon's Mace and the Dragonscale Shield, the most sought after pre-2007 Purples (except the Ring of 3 Wishes and the Ring of Regeneration before the supposed reprint). Same logic (keeping prices in check and greater access to new players).<br /><br />I choose the +2 Quarterstaff because Wizards really have crappy weapon selection, especially when it comes to Reds/Purples.<br /><br /><br />
<br />#5. Any other thoughts/suggestions/ideas regarding what should or should not be done for next year?
<br /><br /><br />- Red reprints of +1 Quarterstaff, +1 Bracers of Defense, and +1 Amulet of Armor might be good ideas as well. (Once again, giving newer players access to these tokens and creating chippie versions for the first time of these tokens).<br /><br />- Please keep the Sleep Arrow and Universal Solvent for next year. Distribution was rather odd and I know quite a few people who surprisingly received very few of either of these greens.<br /><br />- Rotate out the gems. Instead of reprinting Fluorite/ Pyrite / Sardonyx / Jade / Jasper you could instead reintroduce chippy versions of Amber / Aquamarine / Hematite / Moonstone / Onyx.<br /><br />- Avoid power creep. There were many grumblings this year about how many of the 2007 tokens were significantly better than older tokens. Creating additional tokens that are too strong risks unbalancing the game.<br /><br />- Avoid further inflation. For economic stability, keep the relative GP levels on par with 2007.