Several points.
1. People see what they want to see. In the statements made by the Npc (yes, they are phrased in a socially awkward manner), he makes a statement regarding the physical appearance of the toon, then a statement as to their probable social success with the opposite sex, then an overture of friendship. Weird? yes. unequal? no. 'Strong' in this instance does not speak to the skill of the male, or their battlefield success (can that Npc have much knowledge of that anyway at that point?), it's a description of a male. Should be complain that his intelligence is being denied or that the Npc is superficial?? Sorry, I'm not crazy about the dialog either, but its a poor example of gender inequality.

2. Blizzard deserves some credit before we go off the deep end here. Their version of skimpy and armorkinis have been pretty tame compared to most mmo's (lineage comes to mind among others as way more risque). Is there room for improvement? of course, not everyone wants to be pretty, but some do! now we have transmog so you can look how you want. I agree we should bring on the bro's and mankini's so that all the guys and girls can get their Conan look on. But consider this: in a genre dominated by scantily clad beautiful people, blizzard gave us the option NOT to be a Barbie doll. And quite a few at that. Seriously, from a marketing perspective, can you imagine the person who originally tried to sell us on women who are Cows??

3. Please stop quoting what works in reality and keep this in perspective. This is a fantasy game in a world that is thoroughly unreal. Does that mean you should disrespect someone interpersonally? no. But some people fantasize about being desirable and not just a combat monster. These themes have been popular in many games, is there a way to tell someone they are attractive universally without offending ANYONE? you know that isn't possible.

4. As stated earlier, don't like it? you can always vote with your participation if nothing else.

5. Josh. I'm sorry but I don't see anyone including yourself talking about all the social inequality or negative stereotyping facing men either. Do I honestly expect it? no. But I could start pointing out how most male models are so insanely muscular, 99% of males could never possibly achieve it. Are we promoting unrealistic body image for men? No one cares. We are the problem apparently, and never the victim. My point is that if you want an egalitarian environment, you aren't going about it in a very productive way.

6. Wow, Blizzard, life etc. can't be all things to all people. EVERY facet of this game has its detractors, that won't change. I agree that we have to try to be as equal as possible, but I don't agree that blizzard has been egregious in its treatment of women. Too often that is up to players themselves. Should they be more heavy handed then they already are about abuse? I'm not sure.


7. For those bringing the history of the oppression of women into the game. Its. a. game. Female toons are capable of doing EVERYTHING a male toon can. Make the same amount of gold, run their own guild, have access to all the same opportunities. I admit they are outnumbered in total population but only women can solve that. I don't mean to say that those concerns aren't valid, but this is WoW, not Croatia, or Afghanistan, or Sudan. Some of these arguments are inappropriate for this context in the extreme. We're all here to have fun, not to play "who's the most oppressed?" Check your baggage at the door.

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