I was just reading an article over at Slashdot:
http://games.slashdot.org/story/09/07/08/1419242/Experimental-Video-Game-Evolves-Its-Own-Content?from=rss about an experimental game that evolves its own content.
Of course regarding SRO, this is only hypothetical. I don't picture Joymax ever actually doing this in our lifetime. I just think this would be an awesome idea for SRO, or really any game out there. Events that happen in the game should be able to have lasting affects on the game.
Wouldn't it be interesting if the NPCs in Jangan and Donwhang actually did something besides just stand there? Maybe they run the town, and you can actually talk to the NPCs, gain their trust, and then get them to declare war against the other town.
When you're out grinding, and a giant is after you, but you can't take him, you run away. Currently, the giant would pursue you until you are out of range, then go back to its spot. Why? The giant should be pissed that you got away, and start knocking down trees, continue chasing you all the way to the city, and even coming in the city to stomp down buildings looking for you. The town's people (NPCs) would be pissed at you for luring a giant to them.
Battles with uniques could actually change the surrounding landscape a bit, especially over time. Even simply the way the water flows through the river north of Jangan would change the landscape over time.
What about natural disasters? Earthquakes in Hotan? Tornadoes ripping through West Asia?