[Cor]

I wouldn't say that every MUD has overpowered rogues/thieves. As PhasmaInMachina noted, it really is a product of that individual game's balancing.

Roleplay tastes are really up to each player (and, once again, the setting of the game). I have seen rogues portrayed in many ways in different games - some were the rakish and carefree archetype, while others were royal assassins, cultists, monks, rangers, and (slightly crooked) military officers. In fact, I've come to appreciate games that take the idea of rogues as 'dual wielding vagabond backstabber with martial arts influences and some sneaky skills' and turn it on its head, allowing the identity of the rogue to be shaped by the player, and in some cases, have different types of 'rogue' in the same game.

Of course, I am always on the hunt for games that break this mold, so let me know if you find/have found any.