I suggest that the game implement the option for a player to set one or more of the player's characters to persist in game, even after the player log outs of that character, and that the character(s) be driven by server side scripts.

The server side scripts would be uploaded to the server by the player.

A given server driven character might operate as a bank, drop goods for the player's alt, or perform other automated actions.

Server side characters might gain a temporary tag or prefix, to indicate that they are operating as a bot.

While an account can not normally have more than one character active at a time, an exception could be made for server side character. A player could only be connected to a single character at one time, but one (or more) characters could be server side automated while the player was playing some other character.

Soo, dev-sanctioned botting?

Considering that the PCC doesn't even have access to write mission scripts directly, I sincerely doubt they'll ever add anything like this.

You bring up an interesting point. If you could write a PCC mission that could serve as the server side script, then your character could take the mission, and then you could log off, and the server side script could keep your character active. I am not suggesting that this is the best way, but it could perhaps be a way to implement this.

Very interesting idea.

Doing it as a mission would ensure these bots are performing only dev-sanctioned actions. Also everyone would have access to these actions wether they can program or not.

-1 to the OP.

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"Also everyone would have access to these actions wether they can program or not."

The only people who cannot program are those with severe mental or physical disabilities. Everybody else "can" program. The question is whether they even try, or just wimp out and assume they can't. It's nothing magic, just a skill like any other. It comes more naturally to some of us, but anybody can do it. If you choose not to, then that's your choice; own it. Don't act like some persecuted faction just because you choose not to improve yourself.

plugins are in wide use by people who can not program. programming is not require to use plugins, programs, computers, a coffee pot, etc...

how to implement the solution, is not as important as a consensus "do we want this feature?".

Stick to the point. Do you want this, or not?

Pizza, do you even lift bro?

@Pizzasgood: you are splitting hairs over wording. I program for a living, I suspect not everyone chooses to acquire this skill set. Like I don't spend time developing expertise in many things. The statement was made because some people feel being able to produce plugins is an advantage. Not every plugin is available to every player. I have some that no one has except me.

Well, I do use my toolbox as a free weight sometimes, but not regularly enough to say I lift, no. Operating a joystick doesn't require much strength.