Hiya, Just me here, Contessa.
For me, I like all the "Smiley's." They're fun as all heck. Didn't realize they caused lag etc. Especially, the animated one's. Still and all, me thinks most adore them. It keeps @ least the reversi/othello room's light hearted and many people dearly appreciate a flower, gift,and, a kiss...
Since they cause lag, it's my belief that it is up to individual player's to ask others not to use them in their game's. In fact, many player's when playing Red and/or Orange Shield one's just don't because they are more serious game's, big points, status is at stake, out of sheer respect and it's best to learn without any typing whatsoever.--There is a Mute button in the games and Lobbies. Always useful to get those messages across.~* Wink.
In Othello without emoticon's it would be way 2 dang serious. We get many peeps accused of cheating, being program etc. Contrary to other Post I read in my humble opinion, the majority of the time, the emoticon's are used for very positive reasons. ~*
Back to the the Best reason 4 adding them, our beloved FlyOrDie needs more money. More Subscriber's.-This would be an excellent way of enticing them. Beside's, if, technically possible, it would be a load of fun for everyone ))))*-Regarding no emoticons at all and with deep respect and gratitude to anyone that has replied to this post, if no chat and/or emoticons works best for you, there are other game sites that don't have them.-"If it works don't fix it"...unless for the greater good. Wink.
Look forward to reading a Moderator's opinion whenever the busy super-duper volunteers get a chance to respond.
Yours in love and FlyOrDie service,
Lady-In-Red aka Contessa