To all those complaining about the extended downtime, and the effect it apparently is having on their lives:
I pulled this out of the EULA, which you all agreed to when you installed and launched the game.
You acknowledge that, owing to the complexity of computer technology, as well as the nature of online games themselves and play over a global communications network outside EA’s control, EA and its licensors cannot and do not guarantee that the Software, the Game and any updates, upgrades or expansions Software will run permanently or uninterrupted on your computer. EA and its licensors are not liable for delays, system failures, system outages or difficulties, especially of a technical nature, that are due to legal restrictions or other circumstances beyond its control, including but not limited to third party criminal activity. EA also does not guarantee that the version of the Game covered by this Agreement will be playable in geographic locations where it is not available for sale at retail and/or at all times of the day and/or night.
I'm not saying that I'm happy with the extended downtime, but if EA/Bioware decided that this wasn't worth their time anymore, they are fully within their rights to close up shop and walk away without any of us getting anything back. Be grateful that they are still working so hard on this game that we all so obviously like, and enjoy playing.
Also, a little respect for their hard work would be much appreciated at EA/Bioware. Not many of us, if any of us, could do what they are doing, and have been doing for years now.
Props to you guys at EA/Bioware for your hard work and the game you have produced for us thus far.