Then why don't we focus on finding a system that is better than the current one before we suggest that it be removed?
Exactly. And any other system needs to be designed to fit into the current morass of code. Its not enough to just say that there is another way. There is always another way. But is there another way that will mesh with the existing code and be obviously and fundamentally better than the system that is in place? Which is why I say, it does not exist. If it did, that would mean that someone had proposed an alternative, detailed system that worked and took all of the current code into account in that proposal.
If you want a new system, then you need to run a server, prototype it in the code, and then test the hell out of the thing. The only thing that will ever be convincing in this argument is detailed data from a working prototype of such a system. Saying, it isn't good change it, is not enough when we are talking about the entire system underlying character progression. Think about the amount of effort and time that has gone into the current system.
The only conclusion that makes any sense here is that the current system, incompleteness aside, is the good system. There is nothing in the current system that hobbles acting unless the player themselves allows it to. If it really comes down to your imagination, then the current system is fine.
