Frustrated with Advancement

[Swordsman]

This has likely been brought up in another thread, and I apologize if I'm rehashing a topic that I didn't take the time to look up. But it's something that I'd really, really like to see fixed.

I think that the current method of gaining XP from bad guys is completely messed up. From what everyone is saying (and I've seen myself), you gain more Notoriety by "button-mashing" and using your lowest level skills. The "trick" to advancing quickly is to avoid putting skill points into any skill, avoid high level combos, and just keep hitting with the most basic skill.

Does that really make sense? That actively discourages people from doing some of the cool things with the various skills. Why would the game be designed so that button-mashing is the BEST way to advance quickly?

I would really, really like to see a set XP level based on the enemy's level. Make a formula where the Notoriety you receive is based on the difference between the enemy's level and your own. Once you kill him, then you get those points. The method of defeating him and how long it takes should be completely irrelevant! This method would be simpler, would encourage people to develop their pirates, would still take into account the current "color" system to the enemies, and would make a WHOLE lot more sense.

I'm curious as to why the developers designed the game as it currently stands in this regard. This seems like a big design flaw. What are the chances that we can voice our opinions enough to have it changed?

Oh, and this isn't sour grapes because I'm not advancing quickly enough. My primary pirate is level 27 and has Mastered Sailing. So I've done pretty well for myself. I'm just frustrated that when I use the cool combos and abilities that I've learned, I get less Notoriety for the same enemy than if I just keep hitting the basic attack button. Poor design.