For those of you who never played Diablo 2, Hardcore mode means that if you die.. you completly lose your character.
Yes I know, it sounds crazy and stupid.. But if you ever played multiplayer diablo 2 hardcore mode... you could NEVER go back to normal(softcore). Trust me, it's so much fun and it gives you that sense of constant danger.. And quite frankly, it makes you a better player over all.
If you were to put a duel between HC and SC char in Diablo2, it was obvious the Hardcore is better prepared.
Now since we are paying for this, I do think there should be some limits to the loss. First thing is that You have to reach a certain lvl and pass a BIG test in the normal mode to be able to get the rights to create a hardcore character in the unique server.(or something to that extent)
Second of all, if you die, you won't lose you ITEMS.. but you will lose your character.. That way, at least you can restart with your money and such, thus making it a bit easier to restart. however, I do think it shouldn't be ALL your stuff.. maybe a certain percentage.. or hen you die, you get to choose only a couple of items from your body or your bank. This will keep the economy fresh, since items will disappear, the circulation of too much stuff won't be as intense.
Now here is the best part.. DUELING!!!
Hardcore Dueling.(btw, I love the PK aspect of Diablo 2, I wish they could do certain DANGER continents where it is allowed to pk.. but to attract people.. u can put BIG quests there that gives you far better rewards then anywhere else)
Dueling Arenas and such is very interesting especially in hardcore mode, because you can put your body on the line(all your belongings) and your EAR(when u die in a duel, you're ear falls and what lvl you are).. thus whoever wins gets his trophy to and gets special attributes/experience/name who knows.
There is so many ways to revolutionize the MMORPG industry.. And Diablo 2 has a lot of the answers in my humble opinion.