The only good thing i see from the recent mass stolen accounts is that the idiots who stole it took over too many at a time.
This surely opened SE eyes and has affected at least someone you know in FFXI (2 good friends of mine wiped out from this).
This is a new turning point in 2008.
Everyone manually (do not use the pc or anything that can connect online) should make a backup of their account information without password.
Pen and paper: Write down all your registration codes (pol, ffxi base, zilart, cop, etc etc) server, account character name, current and past CC info with only the last 4 digits of your card, real name and address 9just for the hell of it), where you have ffxi registered on (pc, 360, ps2, ps3 etc etc), mules and/or content IDs, list of important equiptment (AF sets, expensive armors, expensive weapons, expensive items, rare or ex), important job levels if possible, ranks and mission logs (windy rank, Toau 33, COP 4-4 etc etc).
Seal it and put is somewhere safe. Put it in a book. Store it in the refridgerator. Put it between your bed matress.
Store it at a bank, put it in a anti fire and water safe.
Just put it somewhere safe.
If SE really will change their policy about stolen accounts then every bit of info you can provide to them would help.
Being serious about your account would open SE's eyes wider.
As for thoes who had their accounts already taken without the proper proof of ownership, i can only feel so dam sorry for them.
You should always have your proper registration information but if you dont its ok too. Things get lost and you can forget. Its normal and not really should be blamed.
Ending:
You could say its just a game but you put your life and so much work into ffxi and feel like your heart was ripped from your soul.
Personally wouldnt call this just a game. Its a huge community among friends and teammates across the world joined together by the same intrigue that we share. Sounds corny as hell but its true.
