(06-26-2017, 07:48 AM)damagManInKilt Wrote: what stops me or anyone from placing a small shelter every 100 blocks across a swath of the map (per the existing rules) and thus rendering a huge area unbuildable for everyone because I "own" it
Actually, people do this all the time. It's a common practice. Though, my understanding (staff, please correct me if I'm wrong about any of this) is that in order to retain your claim to such an area, you have to be actively working in it, not just letting it sit idle for long periods, or your claim to it can be called into question even if you're still active on the server.
As far as old builds by long-absent members, you can always ask a staff member to come and evaluate the situation. If the original builder hasn't signed on in ages, the area might be deemed abandoned and available for others to build in. But in that case, anything they left behind would have to be removed by staff. You can't just cannibalize the build.
Bottom line: if in doubt, ask staff.
Also, the rules as put forth here in the forums clearly state (emphasis mine):
1: On Griefing – Punishment: Lv. 1 – 3
A. Do not modify any build that is not yours without the permission of the build owner. This includes the addition or subtraction of any gameplay element from one’s build, such as: blocks, crops, items, animals, NPCs, etc.
B. Even if a build appears abandoned, is abandoned, or is griefed already, one does not have the right to grief it.
The /rules command on the server (to which the tutorial directs you when you first sign on) will likewise tell you:
[9] DO NOT GRIEF. This includes: Modifying builds that are not yours, killing animals, and killing players outside pvp area.
Note that the rules do not stipulate 'builds that belong to/are claimed by someone else.' They say: 'builds that are not yours.' So the question of whether or not claim blocks were used to secure an area is moot. If you didn't build it, or formally acquire it from whoever did, it's not yours.