The new changes to surge are actually really good. I fight as a small skilled team but versus larger enemy groups we were just being mowed down by spike damage. Now combat actually lasts longer giving co-ordinated teams a better chance to display their potential. We can now actually fight double our number and still have an enjoyable fight no matter the outcome.

pre-cu SWG allowed the players to drive the content. Thats what made it such a good game. You'll get people who will say it was boring but just like real life if you go to a party and don't make any effort sure you'll have a dull time. It's player driven content afterall. The entire game also had a subtle way to getting people working together, which cut out alot of the abuse and crap you see today. If you acted like a spoilt kid in SWG you would be banned from cities and basically treated as a pariah, which made getting ahead very hard indeed. I'm a hardcore PVPer but the community aspect really won me over because it helped give meaning to the fights. The game wasn't perfect but despite it's flaws it's still the best MMO I've ever played.

SWG crafting system was really good. Crafters were held in high esteem and respected by the community. Basically pre-cu SWG even with it's flaws was one of the best MMO's ever created.

You can get the 2 badges for healing on Vanguard although I don't think the method is intended so wouldn't advise anyone to do it.

Any class can currently get those badges.

When you are already outnumbered. Allowing the greater side to field more NPCs was not a smart developer move. Glad the companions have left the Ilum.

SWG pre-cu thanks to the player driven content. Best MMO ever played.

Getting yourself worked up about loot is pointless & petty. Basically adopt the stance that everyone has equal right to pick "need" and you will be a happier person.

Please add a function to toggle chat bubbles on. It makes the game more social.

Fixing this issue should be priority number one. I can put up with all the other bugs/inbalances but this change to the ability cooldown annoys the hell out of me.

Ion cell is "energy" damage so it will be mitigated by armour. So in most cases won't do the full damage stated.

I don't think speed bonuses stack. Only the highest is applied.

I'm a firm believer in PVP for most tough battles you are best using Ion cell. I also feel going all out damage doesnt work on Vanguard. The class benefits more from dropping a bit of damage for defense so in the end you inflict more hurt as you are living longer. Using plasma cell with your current build you won't last long in a 2vs1 situation. If your team is losing your spec just won't cut it. Although if you want to keep your set-up then keep in mind incendiary round is 3ammo so always try to hit reserve powercell before it to save the large ammo usuage as much as possible.

Using Ion cell I found going deep into the tactics line just too ammo intensive so switched to a very similar skill set-up. If you want a set-up leaning towards damage I think this or similar is near the best set-up you can take. I have slightly more defense and ammo recoup but broadly I'm using what you have linked and it works really really well.

On my server the price of tier5 gifts seems quite stabile and you can make cash steadilly. I wouldn't bother trying to make any money off any lower tier though. I level through PVP so often sit at the trade terminal keeping an eye on prices. I buy up the cheap tier5 to meet my own demand (I've got to max my companion affection too asfter all) and when supply is reduced sell a few gifts at my standard price. Once they sell I simply repeat feeding out the supply gradually. It's all just demand & supply and getting a feel for the market and best selling price. Because I'm continually observing what's going on and focused on a single product I have a good understanding of the current server demand & supply. If supply goes too crazy though you have little option but to leave the market. You can buy up only so many cheaper items before it starts becoming too risky. Also keeep in mind listings are max duration 2days before they have to be relisted. At the end of the day when leveling a crew skill the best way to look at it is any money made on the way is simply a bonus. Once you are max level that is when you can really view it with a perspective for making cash.