I still think this is fucking ridiculous. I'm not playing Final Fantasy XI or any other MMO and praying for a peacock charm to drop. I'm playing a goddamn FPS. The only difference now is that I can't do work on my computer while idleing but w/e. I also don't get why people are getting on their high horse about a halo. It sure as hell doesn't make you a better player.

BTW the 4.5 % is misleading. I believe they were including everyone who ever bought the Orange Box and those who no longer played. I reckon that if they took the current number of players it would be closer to 1/3.

I do think its funny when you have spys running around cloaked with thier halos glowing for a free kill.

anyway, i beleive the halo looks gay, so i am just happy that ill never have it. i am not mad // not happy about that halo thing...i did run the idle, but never found anything, and i still dont get why valve makes a drop system, its not going to make people to play more...at least i HOPE you are not playing all night long just to get a useless hat... and that you just play this game to have fun.

There is clearly nothing wrong with idling. There is clearly everything wrong with using external applications. Valve mentioned before that they had zero problems with people farming for achievements back when it was achievement only, but using software to aid in getting the achievements is not the same since you get them in exchange for nothing whereas farming you still have to fulfill the requirements. Idling is on a finer line, but Valve made a clear distinction that the line was the use of external applications as stated in their blog.

People are turning this into some sort of moral righteous issue - perhaps a bit understandable since Valve made hats and profiled people as cheaters and non-cheaters. However, it's all based on definitions and technicalities. There are things you can and cannot do and Valve has defined them. You either do them their way or you get punished - they're the developers, they make the rules. Sorry.

I am gonna laugh harder when those guys who think its cute to still run the idle program after this whole cleansing thing are going to have every single one of thier unlocks taken away from them. Valve stated that future use of unauthorized programs will result in ALL your items taken away...even the ones legitimately gotten.

honestly i couldnt care less....the only one i am using is the blutsauger....wait...i am never playing medic...thats right. as long as they dont ban peoples steam id...they are going to get by-passed...its like it....they tryed to set up a VAC anti-cheat....but there are cheaters on every server.

honestly, i prefer idle cheater than ingame cheats.

If that was entirely true they wouldnt allow programs like sourcemod and the like.

You are right...its not a morality issue. Its an property life cycle issue. They are designing these things and designing in some level of rarity, as a means to extend the life of the game in interest in playing. If people are allowed to design and use programs that circumvent that goal...then they (valve) are not getting the same bang for thier buck in longevity and interest in their product. In any event, it still Cheating the system they have in place.