wow, this is why I love HN: An incidental thread on a subject sometimes ends up having a key figure on that subject joining the discussion. :)

I never really got to try Ultima Online during its heyday (I was averse to MMOs and saw them as a step backwards from the narrative qualities of single-player games.)

Re: the ecology, other commenters here and on YouTube have also noted that it was too easy to do things what you shouldn't be able to do, like chasing down rabbits and deer with a sword. :)

Thanks and looking forward to your next game!