I really like your opinion and i think you understand that i am not gonna write a server for a documented online game but what you want to clarify is simplyQuote:
You're still missing my point.
There's nothing stopping him from diving into the deep end right now.
He can develop for any patch he prefers and run with it. I mentioned 5095 as binaries are out there to log accurate packet structures from (same would therefor apply to 5065 obviously).
This will give him a very complete and indepth introduction to developing a private server. At that point he can decide what is important to him. Yes, he should probably learn reverse engineering if it's a field that interests him but it's not a requirement to start.
It's a bit like saying saying you have to have a masters in English literature before you can bother writing an essay. Yes, having your masters will probably come in handy and produce a better essay but there's a learning curve and having a high barrier to entry before he can 'start' benefits no one.
That i train myself on conquer [which is well documented in the encryption part] just to give my self a rout on how programming a private server for an online game takes place and how could i bring parts together. Then when it comes to the game that is undocumented i start to learn reverse just to get the encryption then i am free to go.
If that is what you meant so i am totally with you...