I've been in realm on the verge of extinction before. And in realms that were holding on by their fingernails. So, been there, done that. Can they be fun? Sure. We had a blast in Kingdom of Alluran back when we had maybe 1.5 regions. And the 0.5th region changed on a daily basis. But a realm like, for example, Itaulond, is NOT the kind of realm I would suggest a new player join. I personally don't think that's the kind of experience that would present BattleMaster's best side. Doubly true if the new player was joining it because he thought it would be a cool place to see lots of action.
the funny thing is that all the difference is coming from new players who would eventually join. so if some new players, do join, some interesting things will be possible, and that is also excellent opportunity for nobles to feel how their presence means much. the fact that there are only 4 nobles just means that 4-5 new nobles would change things radically and offer many experiences.
the fact that some badass enemy can come and destroy everything only adds to thrill to anyone who wants somewhat different approach, and achieving something, anything against odds can also provide incomparably larger satisfaction compared to very predictable wars.
as everyone can have at least one more character, even newest nobles could be able to compare depth bm can provide by joining one typically successful realm and one which looks as hopeless. is that not complete diapason of depth?
What dev intervention are you talking about?
that's my wording
i was thinking of tweaks - even without any further efforts of devs with tweaks, game could prove itself to be much deeper only if more players adopt different approaches to gamplay, of course being completely within fair-play practice
Discourage what approaches?
my personal feeling of approach you seem to be presenting is something like ultimate pragmatism, like "i want to be on winning side all the time, i want to win every day, every turn, and everything which obstructs me in that path should be abandoned as it is stupid"
my approach is something like "i will try to develop some story, any story, good or bad, impressive or grey with my char and will true to pursue it, winning or losing fun will be the same as long as others also belong to some story and we cooperate". that is something like RP approach, but without sending long green letters, but rather by living your characters within some role.
i met enough people in game who pursue such kind of approach but also see how it is currently overpowered to the bones, and it is to be feared that these forums contribute that.
to go back to forum-level discussion at its basics - are you really sure that all players want straightforward path? i believe they don't. if new guy is able to witness how things work is one established realm would it not be better if he is able to see radically different type of story as soon as possible, before he begins to believe straightforward way is the only way? of course some find themselves in straightforward way and such guys simply do not need anything else. but some others do not, and if they hear the same kind of advertising and approach whenever they go (on these forums) they can come to wrong conclusion how nothing else is available in game.
Better to get two orders per day than to get no messages at all for nearly the entire month following joining the realm. Which is an experience I had myself not too long ago.
i have number of such experiences but am sure we are all clever enough to recognize when we need to go. what is trouble with trying? all you can lose is some time for some of you chars, and you can win some different experience eventually.