I will say after thinking a little bit that this might showcase something critical to avoid when grinding in this game and why.
A long time ago someone posted some formula for max loot, I cannot find it now but I distinctly remember it being a dev or former dev trying to break the basic formula down.
Simplified.. max loot = stamina x 320 (maybe 360 I forgot)
The actual formula stated max loot was = to stamina x (6-7 variables ) The variables they did not go into much detail on but were %'s or modifiers of some other game variable.
Whatever they are isn't too important as much as it considered multiple things, stamina being the primary factor when considering the loot.
Mobs stamina to hp ratio never changes. The hps are static based on the stamina, and the max loot is based off that.
Now consider this.
You the player started with a hp to stamina ratio as well. But this always changes, it has....entropy. Unless you get more stamina.
You are essentially suffering the consequence of grinding yourself into a hole literally by killing the same mobs over and over gaining more hps over stamina while theirs stays the same.
I don't not know for certain this is whats going on, but I have had this assumption since I saw that formula, and while I have great loot returns on average, I also have 33 stamina to 330 health . And I seriously wonder if stamina is so critical on mob loot, if this isn't why stamina is so hard to get on players.
This is also a big reason I despise codex because I think most people (except perhaps ma) do not realize that attribute gain and its subsequent affects are a primary way to equalize the return over time, on a growing skillset.
17 repeatables on oro though could have picked up a few points of stam on other missions, is the biggest shame I see. Especially when we have only a year or two to get any more via missions before codex kills that off.
I cant attest 100% to the skill gain factor of stamina or other attributes mixed in with a fen item, but the more I get the faster I skill, which is more peds back when sold, and I cant sell enough fast enough to hit net loss
Perhaps you might be onto something and some interesting post. Yea I just got stamina hungry at the end of last year and the Oro and other mobs on Ark I grinded were just building skills on my Avatar early. Now I only do stamina missions or attributes since the introduction of the Codex ( the old missions system is better )
I have spent some time on Spiders, Atrox, Rex, Huon, Pop Dragons, Motorhead and those types of mobs but of course no multiplier for me anywhere across the Universe. Just my bank breaking. I am finishing stage 4 Mang Chang only 450 or so left but had to stop as I have never had a HOF on this mob. Just loss of 1,000s of ped.
So a break from hunting it is as I just don't want to deposit anymore in this model. Shame really because financially I am doing better in IRL and have time to play. So I have income to play with but MA took too much from my last paycheck so its a full stop for me. Which is why I address the system we are in. If MA was smart and the returns were better I have a great pay check on the way. However the current system takes to much so why would I deposit with the way things have been the last 3 months?
I probably will finish some cheap stamina missions and if MA seems to start giving me some PED back I might consider depositing again but not until MA actually gives me some loot. I don't like throwing money away and never deposit in this game with the intentions of losing it.
So for now I'll just mostly harvest and finish a few small stam missions and perhaps play some other games. I just don't have any faith to hunt or to deposit to hunt when I know the return might never come. It's a depressing adventure and life is about having fun. This game just isn't much fun the way it is for many players and that saddens me because I think we are here because there is potential for this game to be great one day. (or great like it used to be )
Not gonna be bitter about any money spent because I had fun in the past. It's just the fun is a fleeting memory of the past. I don't see any fun in the future until something changes for the players. Where I can deposit with confidence that I will get what is expected.
I can lose 2 ped an hour on Trees which is relaxing and better than 200 ped an hour on Spiders, Atrox, Levi etc....
Time will tell and I do wish everyone luck. Thanks for your feedback.
Sidenote only 16 stamina and 17 should be on the way. Doesn't seem to help but it looks pretty.
And skills....are the biggest thing everyone is missing when considering their returns.
Yea I have a lot of skills but I will never chip out as that goes against the progression aspect of an MMORPG. So no skills aren't part of return for me but a requirement of the core concept of the game. I would only chip out if I planned to quit forever. So skills are not part of a return and shouldn't be in my eyes.
The only time I ever chipped out was space craft pilot to invest but that is something I wouldn't do again. (even though I made money) If I need to chip out to get the returns I need then there is no point in playing.
I think this is up to MA to restore the faith in the players. Happy players deposit. I think MA can come up with a much better and transparent system that makes players happy to invest their money in this game. Just my thoughts.