Well, play by post RPGs are not for everyone. I think for people that enjoy creative writing and RPGs it can be very enjoyable though. So it's a kind of cross-section of 2 minority hobbies when you compare it to other kinds of games and hobbies.

It's similar to how you get more people who enjoy videogames or movies and youtube than say reading books, or creative writing. I don't pretend to change that. There are many play by post D&D games though, on other sites (just check out https://www.rpgcrossing.com/ or the many other sites like that out there), and there are people that enjoy them for sure, although a minority. I have played and run in different kinds of play by post RPGs, and in my experience they are slow to advance but in terms of gaming time last about as many months as my face to face RPG group games did. I think of them sort of like writing clubs focused on RPGs. I also enjoy boardgames and all sorts of games but, basically, I am aware of different audiences for types of games, but I still think play by post games can be enjoyable for the right kind of players.

About the equal starting HP, I was thinking players would open up separate accounts for each player character. Honestly I'm not the best writer myself but I have played with people and followed games with people who write game posts that are very interesting to read and I thought having players and DMs but also outsiders who could reward posts directly with hive would be interesting and motivating.

There are many very talented writers on RPGcrossing for example, and honestly I think it would be great for people like them to come over to Hive and be able to earn Hive with their games, and provide content and community.