I discovered this podcast only last week (through iTunes). I enjoyed this episode--I was really happy to hear some support for the appearance tab. So much discussion around this boils down to, "You just can't do it because of the imperatives of gear progression." To me, if BioWare want to do it, they can figure out a way to do it. It's not that complicated a problem, and as you mention, other MMORPGs have figured it out and the players love it.

I also think there's room for a few exotic species, and I assume that they're going to reveal a few more playable species (maybe at E3!), but even if there are some trade-offs for playing really bizarre species (like, say, Kel Dor)--perhaps you can't romance your companions--I still think people would play them.

I'd love to see more non-human species! It certainly adds more to the flavor of what is Star Wars. Kel-Dor, Twileks, Ithorians, Quarrens, Mon Cal, Nautolans, the list goes on and on!

Also welcome to the community and we hope your enjoying the podcasts!

On the subject of aesthetics and appearance tabs, it's pretty much mainstream in the majority of mmorpg's now days. I certainly hope we will be given that in all it's full detail and even so as the game continues to grow and unfold, we'll be given more customization features. After all, once most people hit end game, what's the biggest differentiating factor between players? -- It's aesthetics for the most part.