If players want to do something...

This is a nice short article about the design of Asteroids. And how one design element leads to another.

Of particular interest is the idea that if players keep wanting to do something, maybe it's in your best interest to allow them to do it (shooting at asteroids).

Well, until the guys who pay your checks start complaining, then you don't let them do it (lurking).

Everything in moderation, I suppose.