I've read several articles based on all your points, because let's face it they're all a pain. But what I got out of most of them was this: Orbit acts as a stand by screen allowing guardians to choose destinations (servers) to load into, so every guardian on stand by isn't taking up a slot. Cut scenes are also looked at as hidden loading screens. Since everything in this game is server based, and requires the sending and receiving of data, as opposed to disc loading of the past (skippable cutscenes) the cut scenes are used to load whatever comes next. Whether it be post-mission summary, etc. I see on and off that in game chat is in the works, but nothing confirmed as of yet. Mostly because bungie wanted to force players to meet people while playing, and add them as friends, yada yada. But in game chat would be very useful, especially when trying to find a group to raid with, or a fire team to do the weekly nightfall strikes. Just my two cents. Plenty of inforation out there if you look for it. Hope this was helpful.

I just find it hard to believe that a company like Bungie would have so much failure when it came to the simple foundation design of this game. The way I see the current server structure is as follows: Each server instance seems to only have a total of 16 max players. This includes patrols & tower. However, the server instance also allows other players that have loaded in for strikes as well. Now to compare, let's talk about a game like Final Fantasy XIV A Realm Reborn. This game allows thousands of players to swap in and out of parties at will, has a duty finder for team based events, in game text chat, 16 player raids, etc...ALL on the PS4, PS3, PC while also having an in game macro creator and 16 language translator. Come on Bungie...please learn from the leaders in the field before you try and tackle a game like this. I love this game but the oversights are astounding...

Definitely see where you're coming from. But keep in mind this is Bungie's first attempt at something like this, and they also developed the framework from scratch. On top of that there were huge cuts to the game's story, etc not entirely sure why. Activision maybe. If they had taken more from games like the final fantasy series this game probably would've turned out much better. Can't say I'll be buying the DLC.

Yes but you would THINK that when they sat out to make this game they would have taken a look at the most successful games in the genre's and take the best elements out of them and use them to make their new unique game better. Don't get me wrong, the game is not horrible but it would be one of the best ever made had they not made these little failures...

ahh but that's where you're forgetting something my friend. not every developer is interested in designing the best game ever. take a look...they still sold a world record in copies..now have a solid fan base in the game..and are planning on releasing DLC time and time again. money money and more money is to be made. and people will keep buying it, with no regard to the quality. as for this game being a 10 year franchise..maybe they'll improve the game(s) with their profits, maybe they won't. people are going to buy it either way.