There's a difference between assuming corporations never lie, and claiming they're lying without any evidence to support it.

The OP is wrong. The analysts actually support EA's statement. Now what?

This is my source: Q: Are these 1.7 [million] subscribers paying? A: Active subscribers means anyone paying or in their trial period. http://www.darthhater.com/articles/swtor-news/19915-electronic-arts-q3-fy12-earnings-call?cookieTest=1

EA's 1.7 million includes those still in their free month. The GI.biz article is talking about conversions to paid subscriptions only, which it clearly states. "Doug Creutz from Cowen estimated estimated the figure of paying players to be between 1.3 million and 1.5 million, with 200,000 to 400,000 still enjoying their first month's free trial. " http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2012-02-02-star-wars-the-old-republic-paid-subs-estimated-at-1-3m That puts the estimate squarely at 1.7 million. Q: Are these 1.7 [million] subscribers paying? A: Active subscribers means anyone paying or in their trial period. http://www.darthhater.com/articles/swtor-news/19915-electronic-arts-q3-fy12-earnings-call?cookieTest=1

^This makes no sense.

As I said above, people have posted several different motivations. You've ignored all of them. Playing online in massive, dynamic living persistent world and economy is not the same as playing Skyrim, and it's fun, whether you're in a group or not.

Your conclusion isn't based on anything concrete, though, not that I can see. Why would someone who doesn't like being social at all want to show off? The two concepts seem completely at odds. I think the type of person you're describing is very rare indeed. People have posted lots of reason why they play solo, and you seem to reject all of those reasons in favor of this somewhat bizarre theory.

I'm still not seeing the logic from your original post. If everyone can do this, why are soloers being singled out (no pun intended)?

I don't support this idea. I think the reasons are obvious.

This behaviour is not exclusive to soloers.

To add some fuel to the fires... "America's most influential analysts are putting paying subscribers for EA's Star Wars: The Old Republic at 1.3 million, and a conversion rate of 75 to 80 per cent. Doug Creutz from Cowen estimated the figure of paying players to be between 1.3 million and 1.5 million, with 200,000 to 400,000 still enjoying their first month's free trial. Baird Equity Research concurred with the 1.3 million estimate, despite originally predicting the number to be 1 million. "More important from this point will be the trend in paid subscription levels, which will depend on user engagement and the pace of new content deployment," said analyst Sebastian Colin. But Wedbush's Michael Pachter was more conservative, putting the figure at between 900,000 and 1.2 million. "The worst case is that 900,000 out of 1.2 million purchasers through December 31 converted to paying subs (75%); the best case is that 1.2 million out of 1.5 million purchasers through December 31 converted (80%)."" http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2012-02-02-star-wars-the-old-republic-paid-subs-estimated-at-1-3m

Some people like exploring, some people like insulting others.

Hey, some of us actually like exploring.

Some people would rather not. Why does it bug you?

It's a good question. If you don't feel you're getting your money's worth.. why are you paying a monthly fee? Only you can answer that.

There are probably a lot of different reasons for different people, but it all comes down to one thing: because they enjoy it. I have to ask, as long as they're not interfering with anyone, why does it bother you? To me, it doesn't make sense to paint everyone with the same brush because of a handful you've dealt with. I personally don't care either way, if someone wants to solo a raid with 7 companions, let them go for it. Actually, I imagine most people who exclusively solo in an MMO probably appreciate a challenge.

I don't think I'm understanding how being solitary equals being egotistical, if that's what you're saying.

I leave it off quite a bit. I would hate if it was always on.

I don't think so. It seems to me the people who go after the fancy engame PVP and Raid gear (i.e. multiplayer only) are the ones who like to strut their gear and elitism the most.

Well, I'm pretty sure it's a record. That's new.

The number of high level players observed below is kind of interesting (courtesy of dyves):

Those numbers are based on all 1.7 million, but we know there are on average 1 million users logging in every day. Add to that uneven distribution across servers and different peak times, and it starts to makes sense, I think.

I really liked it. For people who really love the space aspect of Star Wars, I think SWG/JTL nailed it.

And while we're dreaming, everything that's currently possible in the X series.

Has anyone here ever palyed Vendetta Online? They had these incredible PVP scenarios where scheduled convoys of supplies would occasionally travel through hostile space. One faction would have to escort and protect their convoy while the other group tried to destroy it. It was a ton of fun.