One thing that can be compared is the communication/community interface. On the old Bnet Diablo 2 LoD for instance, there is no "master" foyer, but a number of public channels. When you log in you are automatically routed to one and can change to another easily, or create your own by simply clicking a button and typing a name. Communication in the channel you're in is just type, hit enter, and everyone in the channel sees your message in the scrolling box, just like the old TW foyer. You can mute and do a number of other functions (add/remove friends, etc.) from the command line. You can also talk to anyone you know anywhere on Bnet (via their ID) via command line strings (e.g. m myfriendsID what is the game name and password you are in now?).

This system is ancient and works pretty well. I'm sure they divide the channels up to distribute the server workload due to the large number of people online playing. Even though TW will probably never have the numbers that bnet has, this is something that CA has to consider about a single foyer, etc..

There are also custom channels created and used by clans, with moderators who can kick, and bots that be programmed to provide information. All you have to do is know the channel name to go to one. Mods can ban you from it if you become a nuisance.

One HUGE annoyance in battle.net are the prolific bots--messaging/advertising bots, farming bots, leveling bots. This would probably not be an issue in a TW game as there are no valuable resources to collect but you never know what the games will have in the future.

Anyway, just some thoughts. I'm curious to read about the WoW interface, as I have mercifully managed to control myself and not play that game. SC too.