In an attempt to first deal with the current issue, before embarking on the grand scheme of creating a working and equitable system for the claims list, as suggested by Ace. [the SSM swords being that issue...because I see around the site that it is not resolved and put to rest despite the closed thread stating such to be the official case.]
One must first concede the point that the claims list is broken [evidence being the ongoing disaster at hand among the community, this is certainly not the first issue that has arisen pertaining to the list; just the most volatile and current], and as such:
I do make the following postulate in regards to Bocchiere's analogy about the claims list being a blender, as his way of assigning the blame for the broken claims list to Kiri.
I put forth the alternate view point, once again, that it was those who wished to steal the SSM swords [through OOC means] that broke the claims list. I assert that being on the claims list was an improper use in the first place of the SSM swords, and thus is the ultimate culprit in creating the current issue. To nod back to Bocchiere's blender....it should not have been in the rock quarry but rather the kitchen. Then it would not have been used for the wrong thing and gotten broken.
How so?
The swords being sealed was right and proper, and how they are used. Because they are sealed and saved to serve as the 'badge of office weapon' for each SSM member. In lieu of some empty slots in the membership, each sword in question was stored until such time as the Need for its use was evident. As is proper for such an item.
As its active leader was not MIA...the one charged with tending to business...then that should have counted for activity and been an end to it before it was even begun.
How so? Please note the following:
The activity clause for a host, in charge of how his beast is used, is to rp, to post. IT may remain sealed even during a match and never used to defeat their challenger. It is not stated that they must RP using the beast...Nor is it stated that they must have a challenge in order to retain their beast. A host can literally go months without facing that situation, never using his beast, far exceeding an activity clause for a claimed item, as long as they are active in rp.
Gitsune, SSM acting leader in charge of the organization and so in charge of how the swords were to be used, was here and rping. It should not matter what that rp was or where the claimed items of her organization reside during such a phase. By the very virtue that the Unnamed Scroll exists, its use for storing swords counts as activity in order to retain ownership. Had it not been storing swords, by this line of thought, it would not have been meeting its own activity clause and been subject to OOC theft. Quite the Catch 22. This too is an item that is improperly being controlled by the rules pertaining to the claims list. Again with the blender? Keep it in the kitchen already.
May we not discuss other topics without citing grievous situations and stirring the kettle? Is it not enough to say....especially since the huge uproar that has gone on and is still seething under the surface in the minds of many...this divisive turmoil is evidence that the system is not satisfactory?
If it were satisfactory, then it would not cause such a huge issue.
Given that it has, well...improvements should be the goal, not to stand entrenched and defend something that displeases so very many because...it works in favor of some individuals.
Again, the overall fate of the claims list and how it is run can wait until the current issue at hand is resolved. However, I do realize that it is hard to separate two very hand in hand issues.
By removing the SSM Swords and the Unnamed Scroll, the two issues may be severed once and for all permitting the claims list to be focused upon and repaired, as is so very necessary given the many issues that have risen over its current function and guidelines. It may well be that in the very near future, were such a decision adopted, the claims list might be unlocked so people can freely edit and moderate the items in their possession as was the case before this battle of wills arose.
As with the bijuu, being such a complex set of 'claims' they have their own guidelines and are not moderated by the claims list. Such would not be possible. And in return, the items on the claims list should not be governed by such a complex set of rules as those pertaining to the bijuu.
So too, the SSM [its swords and scroll], is also a complex enough issue that the claims list can not hope to provide the necessary guidelines to govern their possession, use, and inheritance or subsequent challenges.
So please let me make myself very clear when i point to challenges. To ignore rp and create this fuss is very much to blame for where we all find ourselves. I however do not support the dysfunctional solution that Bocchiere was forced to stoop to. Therefore, in these guidelines for the SSM, the issue of making challenges, defining what constitutes activity, and how to deal with all aspects of their use...as has been attempted with the bijuu...must occur. IF the separation of the SSM from the claims list is adopted, a comprehensive guideline for their items as has been done for the bijuu is very much in order.
I said it before. ALL PARTIES WERE TO BLAME. And I stand by that.