Oh, one other idea - should I provide a list of games I intend to use as future examples? That way if someone hated Elements but wanted to do the exercise they could pick another game off the list. I wasn't sure if that would create too much confusion in the discussion, though.
I want to help design a "sandpark" MMO. Optional interactive story with quests and deeply characterized NPCs, plus sandbox elements like player-craftable housing and lots of other crafting. If you are starting a design of this type, please PM me. I also love pet-breeding games.