That sounds about right. I don't think I've picked it up in close to ten years. Not much before that since hats. But there was a time I lived on that game.

ETA: I didn't realize it was such a brief span of time. 2007-2009, but I played almost every day, so I guess it felt like forever. I picked it back up every now and again with longer times between and briefer stints playing each time.

Still have a soft spot for the game, I just don't like lootbox gear. I'd rather look at team comps and pick a class having a good idea what I'm in for based on the map and the mix of classes on both sides. Having gear that makes e.g. snipers better vs. scouts screws with that.

I don't remember all the exact details, but I go back to my original point: I prefer to play when everyone is on the same ground other than skill and experience.

I had no idea this was a thing. I'm 100% going to look into this!

The cosmetics aren't the problem. It's the stuff that actually changes stats/abilities.