So, uh... discussion and feedback.
Well, there's one thing that I feel is worth mentioning: guilds feel kinda distant to me. Not being active when guilds became a thing is a huge factor, no doubt. But then I'm wondering: if I feel like that, how are newer members supposed to feel about it?
I can't really tell and maybe guilds need more work in general before trying to reach a larger public, but... yeah. Just looking at the first two posts of this thread I see lists of rules, regulations and points. Nothing that welcomes players new to guilds with a brief overview of what's what and where to look. But it's called "Welcome to Guilds!". ...where's the welcoming committee?
Oh, for the record: that's not my obnoxious way of saying I'm interested in joining a guild, but rather: what are they about, and why should I want to join? What kind of commitments does it come with? Where do I find the fine print that says I'm signing my life away? The guilds I know from other games were mostly just a gathering point for my numerous alts! Me, myself and I: we always had great fun in guilds together.
It's like by just naming it guilds, they're supposed to create a certain association that makes people go "Oh, guilds! I want in!". But this association is different for different people. To me, it currently just makes me feel indifferent. Yet the enthusiasm for it from some people make me wonder what it's all about. And the guild events, some seem fun enough.
Anyway, consider this some food for thought from a different perspective: one not currently involved in guilds.