Everything is the way it is because the authors choose it to be that way. Part of how they choose is examining worldstates and thinking of the logical consequences that result from them. But this results in plenty of potential options.
And of course me just listing out bullet points is not going to seem as compelling and integrated as like, actual chapters dedicated to setting those things up? If I were to, say, give an example like "The QMs should just invent a really special and magical seal that only Hazou can figure out in the 7th path and hes gotta go on this huge awesome adventure to get to it so he can be the coolest and best" it's naturally going to sound like a completely horrible direction to take the story. But the journey to the Great Seal arc was dope as hell because the authors know how to integrate these things in an interesting and believable way.
There are... a lot of arguments and counter-arguments that could be made, but I've already expressed a disinterest in arguing. I'm just trying to help you understand my own dissatisfaction with your suggestions. That's why so many of my responses are written in an 'I feel' format. Of course, other people have their own objections and I think it's important that you not lump us together (not saying that you
have).
To reiterate and summarize my statements in the thread so far: I think people are biased towards exploring the rift personally due to the natural human infatuation with novelty. This is, in my opinion, unnecessary for a number of reasons. Our curiosity can be satisfied through perspective shifts, and we can interact with the challenges of the rift regardless of Hazo's physical location. I think that a lot of the entertainment value the rift will provide for the quest as a whole will be indirectly, by exploring interactions between characters and the consequences this will have on the setting, rather than by directly exploring a new location. Of course, I believe that
indirectly exploring this new location is also on the table, and so I don't much feel like there is much to be lost by Hazo not going. Were the QMs to make a statement saying they would refuse to show us other perspectives of the rift, for example, I might reconsider.
I am dissatisfied with the way you presented your suggestions. Despite the very obvious truth that yes, the QMs can and will shape the world as they like, I prefer to maintain the illusion that the world already exists and we simply have yet to discover these new aspects of it.
I disagree with the nature of your suggestions. I feel like part of the charm of the simulation as we've experienced it so far is that there is no Harry Potter, Luke Skywalker, or Rand Al'Thor. There is no chosen one, no hero reborn. Yes there are powerful bloodlines, but they are relatively common, we do not stand out because of some fluke of destiny around our birth. We are, or at least were, a perfectly ordinary for the setting person, and our own (SV) determination and creativity propelled Hazo to greatness. The setting does not care for Hazo, he is not special, and Hazo in turn does not much care for the setting; he has chosen to change it as much as it tries to change him. Suggestions, then, that arbitrarily increase Hazo's 'specialness' so to speak, are distasteful to me. Additionally, I believe our own ability as players to change the setting according to our will (through such suggestions) cheapens Hazo's efforts to change the setting through his own hard work (also our suggestions, but in democratic plan format!).
You are correct, however, that these suggestions laid out in bullet-point will be unattractive by nature, and that good QM writing in implementing some version of them could alleviate many of my concerns.
