Quote from: Blizzard (Source)

We have made some changes to the game in 2.4.2 that resolves this problem

You can view the PTR patch notes here: http://forums.wow-europe.com/thread.html?topicId=3779578450&sid=1

Quote from: Blizzard (Source)

We will be giving advance notice on when we plan to implement Season 4. Our intention will be to give a two week notice like we’ve done in the past. So, it will be no surprise to you if it doesn’ t start next week.

Quote from: Blizzard (Source)

With phase 2 beginning today, records have been reset and there is a penalty for adding players to a team. The practice phase has ended and now the fighting matters. You can still create a new team, you’ll just have to earn the point penalties back, so good luck in your matches if that’s the case!

When phase 3 begins the teams will be locked and no changes allowed.

Quote from: Blizzard (Source)

Yes, the Season 3 honor items will still be available for purchase without a rating requirement after Season 4 starts.

There will be two sets of “non-set” items once Season 4 begins. The Season 4 honor items (boot/belt/bracer/etc) some of which will require a rating, and the Season 3 items (boot/belt/bracer/etc) which still won’t require any rating.

Just to sum up, when Season 4 begins:

Season 1 honor set: Removed

Season 2 arena set: Moved to honor, no rating requirement

Season 3 non-set honor items: Staying
Season 3 arena set: Arena rating and cost requirements lowered

Season 4 non-set honor items: Added with rating requirement
Season 4 arena set: Added to Arena with increased rating requirement

Quote from: Blizzard (Source)

The non-set items are there to fill out the arena sets, they’re essentially placed there specifically so that arena players have a reason to participate in other aspects of the game. We want to see their faces around, we don’t want them just standing on top of the battlemasters all day.

So, with them being arena items intended to fill out the current top-end arena set, and our increase to rating requirements all around, it’s actually very logical.

Quote from: Blizzard

2008 World of Warcraft Arena Tournament Phase 2 Has Begun

Phase 2 of the 2008 World of Warcraft Arena Tournament’s first qualification round has begun. Tournament participants have had ample time during the practice phase to hone their strategies, try various team compositions, and gain experience playing with their team. It’s now time for the real games to begin!

To track the progress of your team and competition, please visit the World of Warcraft Armory and select the Coliseum 1 battlegroup.
http://eu.wowarmory.com/arena-ladder.xml?b=Coliseum%201&ts=3

If you haven’t signed up yet, registration for the First Qualification Round is still possible until May 6, 2008!

For more information on the tournament please visit our Arena Tournament information page. Good luck to all competitors!
http://www.wow-europe.com/en/info/basics/arena/tournament/index.xml

Quote from: Blizzard (Source)

They’ll be a little bit cheaper, yeah.

Quote from: Blizzard (Source)

Yes, the Season 3 honor items will still be available for purchase without a rating requirement after Season 4 starts.

There will be two sets of “non-set” items once Season 4 begins. The Season 4 honor items (boot/belt/bracer/etc) some of which will require a rating, and the Season 3 items (boot/belt/bracer/etc) which still won’t require any rating.

Just to sum up, when Season 4 begins:

Season 1 honor set: Removed

Season 2 arena set: Moved to honor, no rating requirement

Season 3 non-set honor items: Staying
Season 3 arena set: Arena rating and cost requirements lowered

Season 4 non-set honor items: Added with rating requirement
Season 4 arena set: Added to Arena with increased rating requirement

Quote from: Blizzard (Source)

With phase 2 beginning today, records have been reset and there is a penalty for adding players to a team. The practice phase has ended and now the fighting matters. You can still create a new team, you’ll just have to earn the point penalties back, so good luck in your matches if that’s the case!

When phase 3 begins the teams will be locked and no changes allowed.

Quote from: Blizzard (Source)

• If a team does not enter an arena match that is starting they will lose points equal to the amount that would have been deducted if they had played and lost.

This change makes it less viable to participate in illegitimate team match-ups by requiring every game be played; not just those that are against a team’s desired opponent.