How will block / ignore / function over to general gameplay and trade?

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Why does this game 'need' espionage? Genuine question, no sarc. I like the idea of it but 'need' indicates a design balance that 'needs' taken into account, so I am interested in what you think those are.

Well I am glad I wasn't asking you because that really doesn't answer my question. There are a lot of social systems already. What about these systems is lacking that requires a mechanism from the game to facilitate it. I'll take my answer from Noaani.

@Noaani how do you propose we deal with harassing players in this case. Live gm's should not be involved in petty squabbles, that too is story. But most games have some sort of block feature to handle this. Its a fine balance between social interactivity and anti social behaviors traditionally benefitting from a instanced ban.

Perhaps there is a middle ground we aren't considering to make the proposed ban mechanic still workable. For example private guild member lists available only to guild leaders/lieutenants?