This is a very difficult self serving thing to suggest I know. Hows about an ETA thingamabob that lets us know how close we are to a new patch going in. I know theres in progress, envisioned. Ok well maybe not anymore.

Like update us on the status of each patch. Would be nice right about now when such a large and important one is being worked on.

14.2 eta to hit test is such and such date
14.2 on test on such and such date
14.2 eta to go live is such and such date
14.2 (date) this part of patch is good to go
14.2 (date) this part of patch is good to go
repeat for each different part
14.2 eta changed to such and such date due to some whacko bug we found

I don't want to shock the mmog community by saying these games are based on communication. From player to player, developer to player. But they are! I am pretty positive they cannot exist without it.