I see now that the KS project looks like it's going to get about $155k, so this thread is basically pointless now. But Josh tells us that he likes reading suggestions (as I'm sure I would in his position) so at least that's something. And who doesn't like a good discussion?
Incidentally, I'd like it if someone – anyone – would respond to my suggestion of a tutorial system, which also serves as a handicap for recently respawned players. Did I post it in the wrong place? I described it here:
viewtopic.php?f=5&t=170&start=20#p2444