Good morning!
First, thank you for the continued effort that you put forward to make this game better and enjoyable for everyone. I would like to propose a trial run on a old system, but one that builds trust with the player base and that has proven relatively effective in server based gaming. Any creative commentary is highly welcome.
I would like to give a volunteer player based GM/ Server/Shard Admin position a go, with the sole responsibility of reviewing Bot Behavior reports and policing the overwhelming bot infestation on the servers. Start by choosing 1-2 admins on a low/med population server and give them the ability to review the reports and place higher priority reports for bots that have been spotted first hand. Have a member of your team that handles the Reporting issues review these higher priority reports for legitimacy. If they are found to show bot like patterns/behavior, some are clearly obvious if you have been on the higher population servers, then have the member issue permanent bans of the bots immediately or asap. I think this first hand player review and reporting factor is key, as the bot/networks will adapt to whatever coding you put in place to spot them in order to circumvent your system. Think of it as having a trusted assistant in helping expedite the process.
Again, I would at least like for this idea to be given some sort of consideration. I just came back from an 8-month break due to the same issues plague the crafting and harvesting sector of your game which I so enjoy, only to come back to some of the same bot networks/players going from lvl 10-15 to lvl 55-60. Just today I reported 22 bots between the WW trading post and the smelter within about 15 mins. If you need a volunteer for the trial run, I'll volunteer as tribute and help work out the framework for the process if needed.
I understand this is a bold suggestion, but it does not seem that the system that you currently have in place is effective in combatting this issue. Give some trust to your community and player base is helping combat this issue, the players who deal with this ongoing problem first hand. I would see this as a win/win for both the devs and player base, as it would work to build trust and faith on both sides, in that devs do really care about the more plaguing issues and the players aren't all trying to manipulate the system.
Thank you again, and any creative feedback or enlightening comments would be highly welcome.
Very Respectfully,
Pateh Boy
Valhalla Server