Quite impressive, so much unexplained bias in one place. Time for an attempt at objective analysis!
World of Warcraft
+ MANY Quests and instances(Dungeons), arguments of quality can be made but the quantity and variety is undeniable. The various expansions add not only more of the same, but entire types and styles of quests (Such as bombing runs and mounted combat) and bosses (Pick one).
+ Active, involving combat from level one. WoW's combat system seems pulled straight from an action game, rather than a traditional RPG, and the Player verses player combat is more than a fight of "my gear Vs you gear" because of this (Not to say that the same issues do not apply at all).
+ Decent, longstanding storyline crafted with detail and depth. It is not free of plot holes and broken logic, but it does take itself seriously enough to publish and sell books of lore.
- The R.N.G. (Random Number Generator), a successful career in WoW is -very- dependent on luck. Everything from combat, to loot, to your very life and death is dependent on lady luck's favor.
- Customization. Though it is partially relived by the most recent expansion's barber shops and abundance of useless "flavor" gear, WoW is still miles behind other leading MMO in offering players an immersive, personal experience.
Runescape
+ Cheap! Rune scape costs less, that can't be argued.
+ Easy to pick up and play for a casual game player, there are very few places that it is not safe for some one to logout and any amount of time can contribute valuable skill gains to help develop your character.
+ Simple. Some might argue this is a double-edged sword, but one of those edges is pointing at the other guy. Runescape is easy to learn for those new to the MMO experience. On a personal note, it was the game that brought me into the entire scene in the first place!
(+/-) Though the game has far less armor than WoW, fewer hair styles, only a single race, and all of these are much simpler in detail than their competitor's armors... Runescape DOES have player housing.
- Simple. This is the pointy side of the sword aimed at YOU. Combat (until the acquisition of rare, expensive items) is made entirely of clicking a target, and clicking your food supply to heal. Needless to say, this is not the most thrilling experience and the outcome is tied entirely to the quality of your equipment and the size of your kitchen.
- Community. One could argue (Hah, told you!) that WoW is just as flooded with morons and children... But in Azeroth, they are allowed to SPEAK. Between the schizophrenic-paranoid in-game filter (Which is almost guaranteed to chop out at least SOME of any word with more than six letters) and the overzealous moderation team that patrols the forums (hunting out any dissent or criticism with such passion that they may well be reincarnated Spanish inquisitors) ... You would be lucky to even HAVE an opinion, let alone voice one.
- Economy. I... Ummm... Wow. This one should explain itself to anyone who knows its workings. (Ok, I admit it... this one is a bit unfair, I'm spoiled into expecting a free market in my games. For the uninitiated, Runescape's market has established semi-rigid range of prices you are allowed to pay for items, and strict limitations on your ability to spend, charge, or receive money in an attempt to limit abuses like scamming and bot-farming. Anyone who wishes to start an economic empire of buying and selling intelligently need not apply.)
- Story. I'm sorry, what? I've had day dreams more coherent and interesting... While heavily medicated.
Conclusion
WoW is a big number game. Though -anyone- can play at a base level (and likely do well), to play the game at the higher levels one must be willing to invest time in learning complicated and finite details that may not be user-friendly to those new to the genre. Still, those seeking a step up in detail, immersion, challenge, and price should definitely consider the option.
Runescape is a simple MMO, easy to learn, easy to play, easy on the wallet. Great for beginners, and it has a few things that might put it ahead if you really must have them (Player housing, certain professions and skills, an element of goofy randomness).
It is like comparing Chess and Checkers. Both are fun, one has more rules and options, while the other is just clean fun. Go with what you like, but you don't have to hate the other. =/
