Some Minor Changes that would help Beta

[Nottoway]

This is in regard to the overall community and fun-factor of the beta. First and foremost, chat channels are a MUST. Sitting in the "VOID" is so boring and provides no sense of community, even with the new sleek IM features.

Second, they need to add observer slots for custom games. If they can't add chat channels soon, at least they could provide obs slots for customs so that people could spectate and discuss things.

[PosImpos]

I agree. Having chat channels a la B.Net 1.0 gives you a sense of presence that you don't get when you only receive private messages from friends, both in terms of a community (in the public channels) and in terms of a social group (in private channels).

Observer slots in custom games are important as well.

Both of these things aren't paramount for testing the game itself, however. As long as Blizzard intends to incorporate these things into the final version (for release) then I am content.

[Nottoway]

I agree. Having chat channels a la B.Net 1.0 gives you a sense of presence that you don't get when you only receive private messages from friends, both in terms of a community (in the public channels) and in terms of a social group (in private channels).

Observer slots in custom games are important as well.

Both of these things aren't paramount for testing the game itself, however. As long as Blizzard intends to incorporate these things into the final version (for release) then I am content.

They aren't paramount for the beta, but they would increase its productivity I would think. Of course they are paramount for the final game, but they would help the beta more you think. Or at least in my opinion.