Originally Posted by
Meph
I believe it's crucial for an admin to play the game, because it's ever-changing. Having first-hand experience with today's game allows them to stay relevant and have a more personal connection to the pressing matters on the server, allowing them to better relate to the concerns of the playerbase.
And when it comes time to address these concerns, they can do so with a mindset of a player. None of this, "we're going to try this out and see how players react to it" bologna. As up-to-date player-admins, such trial-and-error isn't necessary, because they're included in the population that would be immediately affected by the changes. As a result of this inclusion, they are more educated and informed, and therefore more likely to make a decision that will stick.