So... was just about to pop back on after being on break for a bit, and I see this:
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[NA]Action against RMT Activity Involving Power Leveling
We are currently investigating players who advertise power leveling services via Shout/Yell, collect gil from the participants, and then use that gil to engage in RMT-related activity. Our investigations thus far have revealed that these players regularly advertise in the Jeuno area and we have responded by terminating the FINAL FANTASY XI service accounts of those found guilty of this behavior.
Please be aware that advertising in such a manner in itself can be disrupting to other players and we may take action against players who continuously advertise for the above kind of parties. This also includes behavior that helps facilitate such activity. Please take caution in not supporting RMT-related activity.
In addition, if you witness other players engaging in this behavior, please report the details to the Special Task Force via the Square Enix Support Center.
Square Enix Support Center
http://support.na.square-enix.com/ffxi/
[Contact] > [Report to Special Task Force] > [Witnessed RMT related activity in-game]
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in this matter.
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I like that RMT are still being hit with the banhammer, but what is bothering me is it sounds like they're going to ban people who are legitimately just looking for compensation for their time in order to afford better gear as well... I guess what I'm asking is... does anyone know if they are actually investigating first and only banning if there is RMT activity for doing cleaves now, or are they going to ban normal hard working players as well in this mess...? Banning people who are simply looking for compensation for their time and effort to help afford better gear for their characters seems counterproductive to say the least...
(I know people used to pay for rdm power level back in the day before abyssea, and legit players didn't get banned then for it, but with the changing of the guard (figuratively speaking) I figure it's better to find out
before the banhammer strikes normal players... I'm considering making a thread on official forums as well to see if a dev will actually reply and give some more definitive data on this (assuming no one else has yet.))