Wait. Most of the times I've roleplayed it's been competitive. That's excluding PS. Once upon a time, I roleplayed on forums, and there was a goal of winning, either by survival or killing the opponent. It was what Kaerli described: mental chess. Back then I viewed roleplaying itself as a game and an art, somewhat like what you would consider sparring in martial arts. I still think of it the same way, but most people on PS do not hold that same opinion, and it's been so long since I've been able to read books and long forum posts without frustration that I've lost the motivation to roleplay as much or as well as I used to. I haven't actively pursued that kind of roleplay for a while.
I understand what Kaerli has written. (Now, at last, since I've only been able to check in here occasionally and somehow misread the entirety of the last page LOL.) When Kull had returned sometime last year and was causing trouble, I was excited to join in on his roleplays. However, the climate of the roleplay scene on PS did not allow him to play to his full potential, and he left because he felt unwelcome. I do not like how he was treated by some of the players here. Now, it is expected that you have full control of your characters, to the point that they can be possessed by stupidity incarnate, throw themselves into a death guaranteed, and then somehow emerge alive despite making every effort not to. Your characters may be physically damaged and mentally traumatized, but if that's all you're willing to do, that's boring.
Roleplay in Planeshift is lacking. It's lacking the gut instincts of fear and excitement. I miss having those moments where I think, "My character could die right now." Many of you will think I'm crazy for saying it, but you have no idea what you're missing.
Kaerli was OP as all hell get out, tho. Facts be facts.