\"As of the last 2 updates, there is a memory leak that is causing the auto-save feature not to work properly after the server has been running for a while\"
Sometimes, when things are added, it breaks things. Did you play indev/indef minecraft? And it\'s not always a case of a misspelled variable, sometimes it\'s a dependancy that didnt get recompiled, an inheriting class that wasnt updated to reflect changes to a new class. Hand-held weapons inherits from the meta-item class, for instance.
\"(factory blocks vs the \"craft anything with dirt\" thingy).\"
The reason why old blocks arent removed, and are simply depreciated is an act of phasing them out. every blocktype thats added has an idnumber, as you\'re likely well-aware. They arent removed because then you have a gap in your index. That gap will cause errors in any function that loops through that index (Index out of range error for instance). They are left in until there is a new blocktype that can replace them. Also, if you tried to load a ship with a undefined block (or custom block) it (used to) crash the server. Error checking for that was implemented a few weeks ago. He might also not have removed all those special factory blocks because he has future plans for them.
\"Your second paragraph in general\"
Read my reply again, it\'s pretty much a response. But just for giggles, i\'ll reiterate it. Schema is building his game, the game he wants to play. Mojang is building minecraft, and they didnt open the API until LATE LATE beta, as you may or may not remember. Mojang is building their game, they opened the API so people could make the game more to their liking, which is excellent, and promises longetivity for any game. Schema will be making the game mod-able when the infrastructure is laid. Whats the point in writing a mod that alters classes and gameplay when it will be broken 3 days? Or whoes version rendered obsolete in a week? Also, as i stated before, a TON of the suggestions are asking for implementing gameplay elements that cannot be realized until mid/late beta, and some would require totally unique infrastructure. To sum this up, schema\'s building HIS game, not ours. Because of this fact, he\'s making it modable to let us make the game more to our liking. The game will be made modable when core features and elements are added (likely mid beta).
\"Your third paragraph\"
Your venture is well-spent. The game will be balanced and many exploits fixed sooner than you think. You may say you understand this is an alpha, but i think you misunderstand the scope of that. Alpha and Beta literally means work in progress, you cannot expect anything to be even remotely balanced until full release (version 1.0). The fact it\'s as well off as it is now is because of forsight and the efforts of the community on the whole. The only reason any game allows people to play during beta, is for balancing, and a vast horde of people catching and reporting bugs. The reason you\'re playing right now is to show Schema what needs fixing. Youre all doing a fantastic job, and the only reason schema is taking time to fix exploits and not-game-breaking-bugs to keep you guys appeased, and still playing. I dont want to be a sour bitch, but playing before release is not a right, it\'s a privilege.
\"I would have thought the admin mechanics would have been more elaborate and stable by now as well\"
Im surprised they are any tools at all. This is an alpha, and as of 3 months ago there were 2 dedicated servers, all of whom had maybe 10 people on a day. Those tools were brought in long ago, and did what they were required to do. Now, yes, they are outdated and clunky, but they also arent permanent, new tools are being developed.
As far as im concerned what we\'re doing now walkiing the path to creating the game. Every feature you see added before this goes 1.0 is a privilege. By posting your concerns you\'re setting the devs on the path to implementing the features and tools you desire, and fixing the bugs you hate. But you must realize, this is an Alpha, you cannot expect a thing. If you paid the 3 maybe 6 dollars to preorder this game, you did it in full knowledge it was just that, a preorder. If this was Rome Total War 2, you wouldnt even be playing it right now. Keep posting your suggestions and concerns with server tools, and any feature in general, because thats the big ticket. But when it comes to null pointer errors and those glitches, dont be, dare i say, upset, you must be patient and have faith they\'ll be addressed in due time.