A problem I see in the game after returning from a 6-year hiatus.
I'm no newb to the game but I have had a difficult time progressing and competing. This is also a big reason why the arena is boring and not competitive anymore. It's controlled by the overpowered and why we see "mc vs mc" or "elf vs elf" matches.
Non-class books have taken over the game as the most wanted item to farm. Unfortunately, the most powerful books are dropped in raids. Raids are a gathering of parties with op gear and this includes "non-class books" How are new players supposed to acquire such items when raids are controlled by the overpowered parties who just keep getting stronger and leaving the rest behind significantly?
My suggestion is as follows:
Besides the boss rewarding the killing party, make the completion of a raid drop a chest as they do in events with a slight chance to reward other players who also took part in the raid. To help from players not helping and going AFK in the area, there should be a damage and hero level requirement. This will increase activity during raids and help players progress fairly.
How does this help the game?
As you may know, once these books have been acquired by the overpowered rich, they tend to sell them in the black market outside the game.
My suggestion:
Make these books untradeable between players. Make an exclusive bookstore where NPC controls a bid system with in-game currency. The player pays a small fee of either mcoin or gold and the book goes on sale for the week starting on par with the weekly guild tournament. Once the book is put up for bid, it can't be canceled. You may decide to set a reserve option for the seller. If the player decides to post it early, others can see upcoming sales. For the 7 days the book is on sale, players can deposit their bid in gold and when they get outbid, they get a message to increase or withdraw their gold. Once the tournament ends, the winner receives a message to claim their prize. This will also increase activity to farm and acquire in-game currency while giving some players a fair market.
This may be moved to suggestions if need be... just my 2 cents.