So you really want to use the 'Ruled As Written' defense, rather than the obvious 'Rules As Intended'? Fine. Good for you. You win. Some random schmuck can design a crappy character generator and release it the day the Player's Handbook is released, just like I said couldn't be done. Ya got me!
You said it wasn't possible because of the level of change towards the end of release. That was the 'intent' of your statement, to say it was 'too hard' as to be 'impossible'. Do you or do you not still feel the level of change towards the end of release made it impossible?
And you still have yet to demonstrate that the character builder linked is 'crappy'. Does it work or does it not work? Let's be clear here.
...please explain to me how to make that generator with...
the functionality
What functionality is missing? It makes characters, and I believe the calculations are correct. Please let me know if you have information to the contrary because my own folks are using it.
... and design aesethetic ...
Formatting of data is typically handled by a different team than the structure of the software itself. This is called the presentation layer and there are experts in this field who could be applied to this type of project. This obviously wasn't done for the link I shared with you, but there's nothing about the level of change towards the end of release that would change this situation. Unless you're aware of something?
... like the online *or* offline ...
Online vs offline is pretty well-trodden ground these days. My grocery list app has a 'sync to cloud' feature. I'm also pretty confident this js could run offline, but I didn't develop it and haven't tried. But there's no 'magic' at work here.
... DDI Character Builders had ...
I'm not a 4e guy, so I have no reference for what this means. But you might have a point, possibly functionality (as asked above)?
... and have it completely ready by the PH's release, AND have it be good, useful, and cool enough that people would actually pay a monthly subscription for it at that exact moment?
This is a fair point. If WotC's only goal for digital tools is recurring revenue, then there are additional challenges here. However, I am not aware of any evidence that this is the case. What do you have to demonstrate that this is the ONLY reason for such a tool?
Because that's exactly WHY WotC would be releasing a Builder of any sort in the first place. Make something people would spend money for.
My understanding of WotC's strategy disagrees. Everything but everything they're doing is to 'grow the brand', period. Not everything is about money at this point. Take Basic for example. Who would 'spend money for' that? Also, how much does it cost to participate in the D&D Adventures League, because I think that's operated at a loss for WotC also.
Some random guy who has posted a total of 5 times here on the boards says I need to take it on faith that what he says is true, actually is?
Yeah, sorry. You need to earn a little more street cred around here before I'm gonna accept that.
You're aware of a functioning builder from my our own conversations. I think dude can see those. Why do you keep pretending that it isn't possible?
I'm personally back to enworld because the only game I want to discuss right now is D&D. And enworld is great for D&D. But that doesn't mean that everyone with a low post count is somehow inferior to everyone else. It does nothing to strengthen or weaken anyone's argument. Sorry.