ObjectivistActivist wrote:
There are a couple of players that are "in it to win it," and those are the only ones you will really have to worry about.
The majority of players in this MUD are good, considerate people who are in it to enjoy the experience just as much as you seem to be.
That right there should provide a pretty good answer for your questions. Yes, there are a few jerks that play this game. And every single one of them posts on the forums.
There are a lot more players that aren't complete jack wagons though, and only about half of them post on the forums. Yes, what you're concerned about DOES happen, but it's not nearly so common as you might think. Give the game a try. There are plenty of people around who are willing to RP and to help you get acclimated to the game. For instance, probably everyone that's replied to this thread. Don't let a few bad apples spoil the bunch.