Within IV:MP, I have noticed the general lack of players. This, of course, is probably due to the fact that not as many people own IV as do SA, possibly due to the fact that it requires a much stronger PC to run. What I am getting at is, no matter how attractive the scripts make the server, there probably won't be that many players. This is fine, communities can be built, but people will want to earn money. Two ways of earning money. One is RP. The other, scripted jobs.
With a small minority of the server wanting to RP, people will turn to scripted jobs as their source of income, and therefore, nearly everybody will either be a cop or a taxi driver. The problem, therefore, is that there would be no civilians left to serve. This would mean that there is no money, and people are reluctant to move out of their jobs, because money would be valued higher.
That might all sound like bullsh!t, but what I'm getting at is that some script is defiantly needed, and automation of some things such as the subway system (and possibly taxi system) would be required to transport people (obviously at a cost). Scripted things such as state-owned businesses would need to be developed, so people could get things such as food, whilst STILL leaving the opportunity to add to this in RP, since strict roleplay is not always required, nor is basis on script.
People's willingness to RP has already been reflected in SA:MP, as people wish to gain money, buy big houses, own 3 cars...etc, etc. IV:MP should be different. There should be more emphasis on gaining friendship and enjoyment, and this needs to be started right at the earliest opportunity, and I think that is vital for the success of IV:MP.
Essentially, what I'm saying is; If money is easier to get hold of, the value and 'requirement' to have money would drop, meaning RP is up, moaning and money/powerhungriness is down, and IV:MP will rise as SA:MP falls.
Personally, I think that is where SA:MP is going wrong, and I think that IV:MP need not follow the same old route.
Opinions, please.