question about voice chat/PU GroupsFollow

One of the things I get so sick of with WOW is every time I join a group people demand everybody get on Voice Chat. I know in the past I never heard anybody in eq1 or eq2 who really ever cared about voice chat but its been over a year since I played either.

I have to listen to radio chatter all day at work and the last thing I want to do is join a group and listen to screaming 12 year olds whining that we got pwned or actually saying W.T.F. etc etc. I really wouldn't mind if it was just the leader saying important things like Attack NPC A, or RUN, or whatever. But everybody always likes to ramble on about nonsense and scream and cry when something goes wrong.

Anyways is Voice Chat or the dreaded VENT required much by players in eq2 now?

Another question is how well do high level pick up groups usually go? I figure tank/healer shortages are still there (about any MMORPG has that prob I think). But is it really difficult to throw together a PUG and succuessful run through high level content? Usually in WOW the bosses always wipe a group because tehy always do some sort of funky special attack or have a fancy script that gives them alot of power. Only problems I ever remember having in eq2 was bad pulls or poor CC but like I said its been awhile. Another big problem is gear requirements to successful run lvl 80 content in wow seems pretty steep (especially for tanks). Seems like in EQ2 if you have a full set of Mastercrafted armor your generally good to go?

In a zone, instance or raid situation, I can see where Voice (In any format) would be important as it provides an advantage. In a PUG doing a simple quest or whatever.. nah...

I usually join and listen in (lurk). If its mindless chatter during the task, then I log out of it since its unnecessary.

This.

I type as much as I use voice. Occasionally when voice is required in raid situations, or tougher groups where you want to pay attention I've still not noticed anyone upset if you cant be on voice for the same reasons that Calt actually listed.

With most of my groups being guild groups we virtually never drop down to the isolated group channel unless there is a reason we're irritating others. But then again, we like to irritate them.

Ever since Ventrilo isn't required for voicechat I have never found a group that doesn't use it.. Even for our lowbie characters. I personally don't use my mic because I had left it by the heater and it melted but I join the chat to listen otherwise I get a mouthful. If you aren't willing to at least listen then, at least on my server, you would have a harder time finding groups that will be willing to reinvite you again. I personally have always liked voice chat because it is a faster communication and there are a couple times that I have run into a certain player who is extremely young and annoying. He has many different alts and I can reconize his voice right away and decide of I am going to leave or not.