If I was unwilling to listen or work with players, I wouldn't have started this thread or reconsidered removing the auctions and immediately putting the artifacts up as standard artifacts. I think I've been absolutely honest and forthright with where I stand and what I'm willing to do. (And it isn't like all players agree with you as is apparent from this thread.)

I'll buy it. Message sent.

Perhaps a cheaper single use artifact put in for those who just want the rune for more cosmetic reasons, like bards/mages etc.

I'd buy. What a sweet deal

You make a good point, actually, but pointing to one instance doesn't indicate a trend. Rather than this devolving into a finger-pointing contest, I'll say this: in my experience and from my view as an envoy, the players are largely ignored. Yes, there are times when a player's input is considered, but as a whole, there's a large disconnect. I'll cite the demigod review as an example: what players in general asked for was mostly ignored, and what they got was not what they asked for.

I don't question that you've been honest with what you're willing to do and where you stand. I've been merely disappointed in it, which is why I stated what I did earlier.

Others agreeing or disagreeing with an argument doesn't make it right or wrong. As Ixion said, simply because people are willing to pay a ridiculous amount of credits doesn't mean they should have to. I don't care if others agree with me or not, which is a stance I think we both hold. I welcome others to challenge my thinking and offer arguments against it, and I'll always be honest in my response. If it proves me wrong, I'll admit it. If I can't reject it, but still disagree, I'll admit that as well.

1500 now is probably a great deal considering the alternative is having only three people pay over 2k now and everyone else having to wait 6 months for them to be released 'in the normal course'.

I'm glad for warriors, but I'm a little bummed out that 3 high ticket items sound as though they'll be disappearing from the auctions. (It'll force the prices of other things way up!)

I personally don't see myself buying them at 1500... but that is simply because I am a one-spec warrior (thus far at least). If that ever was to change I'd definitely look into buying the pliers instead so I can change weapon specs back and forth. I've definitely paid more than 1500 credits for things I really wanted, so I imagine this would fall into that category at that point (especially since the rate of return for warriors is so much higher than, say, another trade skill).

That said, I do feel some sympathy for people who would like it to be cheaper because it feels like an 'added expense' to be a warrior. At the same time, it's 1500 credits to not have to ever purchase another weapon rune, which means you can toggle them around between any of your sets of weapons at will with just one. That right there is a huge savings... so sure, it's a large additional up-front cost but it does end up addressing the issue while still making sure that payment is being rendered for the lack of extra rune sales.

I personally fall alongside the crowd that says 'warrior runes are really expensive and having yet another (very expensive) artifact primarily to address warrior concerns is concerning,' but... if I was a spec-hopper I would still shell out the 1500 credits regardless. Essentially this is Sahmiam's point, that just because we will pay it, doesn't necessarily mean those people paying will be happy with having to throw out more.

Edit: And yes, having them disappear from auctions will muck everything else up.

Is this the time where I subtly hint that if the pliers are just gonna be pulled and made into a regular artifact to not waste those three slots and open up custom emotes to be bid on? -twiddle-

I would subtly add to this by saying add something else you were thinking of making artifacts (or something else nice from the thread).

I agree, it's excellent that now I can bid on other things besides the pliers, but it'd be nice if replacement arties were made available, old ones like custom emote, other wands, illusion staff, etc.

Also I'm pretty sure that makes 3 people who've said they want to buy them. Roll it out!

Sure Iasmos, I'll trade you magic damage for weapon runes just as soon I can damage and afflict all in the same attack

And done!

The pliers are now regular artifacts!