I think PvP is the most engaging and makes the most compelling gameplay when it has an over-arching purpose behind it, such as in RvR territorial wars, or to defend a player or player-group asset. People think game-life is so radically different from "real" life, but isn't it really the cause that gets people excited as much as the fight? Most of us don't respect or adulate those who fight others for no reason at all, or true 'pirates' (not the romantic image). I think a successful game creates dramatic reasons and situations for combat to mean something. I realize, too, that my qualifications mean nothing to a huge number of people who just want to feel the thrill of humiliating and ending the game- life of another person, however temporarily. I'll admit that I am a role-player at heart, who prefers to talk about game objectives rather than mechanics and math-based strategies. The idea of being "bigger" than someone and, therefore, better, just doesn't make sense to me. There's always someone bigger, or with more time / money to spend on leveling a character. But inspiring people to join and fulfill a common mission against other like-minded defenders requires tactics, passion and group social dynamics, something that buying gold and grinding for months won't help.

I don't think aggression or violence are "necessary" in real life. But as long as we have reasons like limited land, food or other commodity resources and economic disparity, violence is inevitable. I like the idea of danger in my game but being able to map out where and when it will occur by reading the situation, rather than just avoiding a particular door or server.

Now, can you tell I am an EVE player?