I run the
*RAINBOW* servers and they use a wide range of custom, and also standard map. In addition to that there are also mods like defrag, corkscrew and realrockets. This requires that all clients that try to connect have the
/cl_allowdownload 1 enabled:
OTHERWISE IT WILL NOT WORK!Hard to say, but I would guesstimate that it's about
50-80 people/day tries to join the rainbow servers without having downloads on, of course they get angry when they cannot connect and do not understand why it doesn't work. In my opinion having it enabled by default would get more people used to a wider range of maps, not only the standard maps. The problem with new people is that they do not understand the option to enable it, nor do they know why they need it.
As for my personal preference I run the servers as sv_pure 1 and with a fast download capability. The reason that you get 4-5kb/s downloads is because there are lazy server admins who let their servers run on UDP connections. With a little research, knowledge and determination you can have a pure server, custom maps and fast downloads up and running without problems, but it is down to the admins. And I didn't give up until it worked.
When it comes down to the choice of maps I run on the servers, this is tested by myself and other server admins, as well as some players. After testing a new map for compability, playability and level of fun, then they end up in the server rotation. It's a democratic solution.
The maps that run on the
*RAINBOW* servers are all listed
here[edit: that hosting is closed]. If you do not want to download the maps 1 by 1 directly from the server with up to 1.3 mb/s download speed, you can download
ALL the maps included on the servers which are included in a map-pack I put together that you get
here. [edit: use
this map-pack instead]
All in all, the quality of the server and the functionallity of it is down to the individual admin. I have spent a great deal of time and effort making this work, and it finally does. I can say with confidence that many of the players are happy with how it works, as they return daily to enjoy the fun. As OA is a free (as in fun) game, the rules for how it works are also free (still fun). Simply do what many players do, find a good server and enjoy the company.