If MA revealed how loot really works this game would die, be careful what you wish for.
I totally agree with this - but take it a step further. Personally I believe that actually MA probably don't even know how the loot works. I have said this before and I was poopoo'd for saying it, but think about this.
What is the best way to keep a secret ?
Not knowing what that secret is !
For years despite all the best attempts by the not unintelligent player base, nobody has ever come up with any solution that even begins to explain how loot works. Furthermore nobody from MA has ever spilt the beans in 10 years. That is some achievement. So in all that time MA have never pissed off anyone who knows how loot works to the extent that that person blew the lid on the loot algorithm. Damn MA piss off most of the player base every day of the week. How do they keep this amazing secret. I have a theory, I have no proof but I would suggest that the following would fit the scenario.
MA needs a totally safe loot algorithm that returns them a regular % income from turnover. The algorithm must be complex enough that not even the greatest code writer or hacker could ever break it. OK lets assume that is the case, on top of that they must keep this a complete secret for 10 years, including all the MA office staff in Gothenburg going out on the lash, getting drunk, stoned, coked up and yet never once spilling the beans, How.
I reckon they do not know. OK but someone does, because they created the algorithm in the first place. So imagine a scenario. MA back in the inception years approach a very talented programmer and ask him / her to create them an algorithm. This person creates the algorithm and MA say that there are 2 rules - number 1 the algorithm creator must never disclose the details of the algorithm to anyone, ever, including and perhaps especially anyone who work s for MA or a PP. Number 2 the algorithm writer is barred from ever playing EU The algorithm creator is paid a handsome sum for creating the algorithm and an annual retaining bonus for every year that the algorithm remains a secret.
Every few years MA needs to change the algorithm slightly to accommodate changes in the game such as new Planets or changes as we have recently seen in loot types and drops. Most of this work can be completed by the loot balancing team but any changes to the actual loot algorithm are made by the original creator.
So what you end up with is a company that can never spill the beans on the how loot works because they honestly do not know. You only have one weak link in the chain and you can keep that strong using good old fashioned money.
It is my theory on how loot works and before you decide to poo poo it - tell me honestly do you know of any better explaination.