I have seen the ups and downs of this game. I have started as a noob, swallowed my lumps, and became a dt, [DT]Star Player.  All of this time in the community has helped me realize some things that IC can really do to make the game go smoother.

 We have an awesome gaming experience to provide, but you guys need to be more vocal about your changes you are making, and i know compared to alot of the other RTS games out there you are already very active in the community, but push it to the next level.  This game needs a new generation of players, and i think if IC can make steps in ICO such as:

i. Having a member of IC on ICO at most times to provide an answer to any new player, even if it means playing one game with them, just so they can learn the basics. 

ii. Provide an easier way to capture and watch replays, not everyone is as tech savvy as people who post the replays on forums, i myself struggle to understnad how to do it sometimes. 

iii. Provide a spectate mode, so newer players can join a game, and not be booted because they will drag their team down, but rather just watch the game, catch the general flow.  I remember in my days of Starcraft, one of my favorite things to do was just to watch better players, and see what they did.  I think if you provided this spectate mode, alot of the newer players would not be discouraged, as they would be if they tried to get in a position to join a larger game and nobody wants them on their team.

iv. Your tutorials are nice, but i think its time you gave people another tutorial on the essence of the following things, starbases, mines, and advanced use of static defense.

v. This is what really kills games on ICO: when some low-life joins a game just to be a douche and will dig in for hours on end, even when the game is obviously over.  The kick button needs to be reinstated if certain conditions are met.  These conditions could be.  If X % of players on the guy you would kicks team have left, and X % of the map is controlled by the opposing team and if X % of the opposing team votes to boot said player.  Obviously depending on the map scenario, the percentages would have to be changed, but adding this feature would be a huge gain for all of the community.

I will post more ideas soon, but its 2:00AM and i'm a little tired, plus i have an early tee time tomorrow.

I hope none of these ideas seemed too far-fetched, and if you want this game to last long, and have a strong community, i would seriously hope you would take the time to read over some of my suggestions.

Thank you,

[DT]Star Player