Second night in a row I, and my group, had to abandon Undaunted Silver Pledges due to difficulty so high that two different groups of patient, adult players - after investing hours - made the reasonable (not angry) decision that we simply could not succeed.

These groups ranged from VR1 to VR14 in level composition. Both had the lowest level character as group leader. The loot was scaled in these dungeons (Fungal Grotto and Spindleclutch) but not in difficulty. All the proper roles were covered. And, in each case, the group took a break to research the specific battle/boss that stymied us.

Smart, regular players in each case.

My understanding of the intent of these Undaunted Daily pledge quests was to give players an opportunity to develop their characters and their abilities in group content, meet new people, and - with the Silver and Gold levels - have some control over the level of difficulty.

People took things in stride. One joked that he would follow our adventure by killing bunnies to restore his self esteem. All were professional people with either regular college or advanced degrees. They communicated in complete sentences, were attentive and cooperative, and never began or ended a sentence with the acronym, LOL. All had played the game to Veteran Rank, enjoy the game, knew their classes and how to play them. None were seeking an easy button.

Yet both groups failed.

If these are especially difficult dungeons that's fine. But why would they be offered as Silver Pledges?

Sorry to go on so. I feel badly, and not just for me. I grew to like these people, I feel they deserved a chance to succeed, I believe the developers mean for this system to serve people of this sort. Thus I must wonder if this has been oft reported and is a known issue being worked on at this time.