Nexon: Can and Can't.

Yes it would explain it. A publisher doesn't have to handle the costs of creating a game, merely maintaining it. Alas, it's more cost-effective having one branch (Korea) handle the creation instead of spurring off different copies.

And we're all to conclude that just because a method is more cost-effective, a company should utilize that method, regardless of the effect on the end

In what way? Adding content as in quests, graphics, items and so fourth hasn't anything to-do with the server nor client structure. Then again, I suppose you haven't a clue of what I'm speaking of.

Yeah, I'm not surprised that you're going to just assume I don't understand you. It makes it a tad easier for you to presume your argument to be infallible.

However, back in reality, a game modification doesn't have to alter the client-server interaction to qualify as modifying the code.

The TOS might be bullpomegranate for most of you but it's there so Nexon doesn't have to take any liability for their actions regarding certain things. It's a way to protect themselves, so it doesn't matter if you ignore it or not - it's still valid.

A TOS' existence does not in itself make it a bonding contract. There are several clauses within Nexon's TOS that would not hold up in a court of law.

Again, you must be new here. (Now with a shiny link that you should follow.)

Before this continues any further, this has to be said. Yes their customer service is horrid, and yes their other teams are lacking as well, but that's not what the start of the problem is. They're understaffed and underpaid so the CEOs can keep as much money as they can for themselves. Before you start blaming the people that actually run the game, think about how hard it normally is to run a huge game like MS, along with all the other games Nexon runs. Then multiply that difficulty for every employee they don't have, but need. You can't run smoothly if everyone in the office is doing two or three jobs each. If you're going to blame anyone, don't blame the people that are actually trying their best, blame the corrupt figureheads that are ruining the company with their greed.

I blame the company as a whole, and that covers my bases.
For all your speculation, not even you know what point in the chain is most to blame for the situation as it is now.