1. How do you feel overall about reward tracks?
There should be reward tracks that offer ascended equipment progression gated behind WvW level ,Bronze, Silver, Gold, Mithril, ect… Another Idea is to pair certain WvW objectives with special reward tracks. Example: Yakslapper unlocks access to the Yakslapper reward track that provides access to special wvw weapon/armor skins, costumes, or blacklion claim tickets. WvW players like to show off their wares, and the effort they have put into the game mode. Right now being a Mithril footman does not feel too rewarding. I also think having a reward track for acquiring legendaries would be appreciated. Integrating the idea behind the pve track for crafting precursors could be reoriented for wvw tracks. Some hardcore WvW players may spend 3-8 hours a day playing WvW. This kind of commitment makes pveing less possible, so WvW needs to have similar rewards equivalent to pve. Furthermore, having exclusive WvW weapons and armor feels very rewarding and obtaining such accessories should be gated similar to some pve mechanics are gated. A diamond legend seems like they should receive a set of legendary armor or something because such a rank is worthy of epic reward and recognition. The reward systems scattered throughout the game are great and I think these same systems should be employed in wvw and allow a diversity of ways for receiving rewards.
2. What are your thoughts on the rate at which you gain participation?
The rate of participation gain is perfect; however, I think participation could be geared in a more specific way. For instance, when a tag is put up the tag should be able to choose what objectives it will be pursuing. Example: Havoc, Objective defender, Objective assaulter, Slayer. Choosing a specific purpose will reward more points for accomplishing certain tasks. Taking a camp while tagged Havoc will reward more participation. Being in a tower while a defense timer is up when tagged for Objective defender will reward more participation. Special reward tracks could also be implemented for specializing in a particular play style in wvw.
3. How do you feel about the rate you earn reward track points?
I think the rate could be adjusted based on the idea I gave for #2. Three hours of taking camps is a long time, so the rate of earning points toward a reward track while tagged as Havoc could be greater than the current gain. However, based on the current system ten hours is too long for base stat exotic equipment. The current system would feel more comfortable if you gave the option of choosing exotic armor with any stat option for ten hours of play would feel more rewarding.
4. Overall, what are your impressions about the types of reward tracks we have?
The reward track is a fantastic integration. I commented on this in #1 and #3. WvW specific tracks for attaining special weapons and armor would be very good. However, this would require a lot of work since creating armor sets is the hardest thing to do for developers. If the developers were going to do a new wvw weapon and armor set they should turn to the wvw community for concept art and hold a contest. This would be cool for the wvw community and would help with continuing to show interest in listening to the player base.
5. Are there any other reward tracks you would really like to see?
1) Integration of precursor crafting progression from a wvw approach
2) Tracks unlocked based on WvW achievements
3) Tracks unlocked based on wxp rank
4) Tracks specific to wvw specialization
5) Track offering ascended equipment progression (trinkets, armor, weapons)
Honestly, If I spent ten hours in a high level fractal I would most likely acquire an ascended weapon or armor at some point, so spending ten hours in wvw should provide a similar reward. Perhaps, offering a wxp ability to unlock an ascended vendor where badges and proofs could be used as currency would be possible? Perhaps, certain achievements in wvw could also offer a choice of ascended weapon or armor box, much like fractal achievements, instead of the track idea. These are all just musings. Hopefully some of it will be useful for future development.