I think this is not solution what they want, imagine a weaker guild who tries stand vs way better equipped guild... there is no chance. I am sure this game have to handle down mass pvp acts, in any standing.
This is not answer for that problem. AO's graphic engine makes nice graphic but it is simple junk in speed relations.
3 types of lag exist, graphic lag from engine, network lag, and server lag. Server should never lag - in AO i am sure server side is not very good makes alot of headache.
Graphic engine should have options to make lowered quality pcitures, and need a revamp imo.
It is a poor act blamin computers, i have a high-end mahcine as well, and i did mass pvp alot in eq (played on pvp server), and we called 2 secs lag is very bad there with 60-70 people in zone.
Well .. booster pack will be released soon month or so, and FC just realized mass pvp simple couldnt handle by now, so they try to say this what that did. What can we do .... not much. Waiting on expansion with new engine ... or find another game.