Probably not, there's never been an "Ammostay" mode. Honestly, I like the new system, it doesn't feel like a step back and it seems like something different which is nice once in a while. Also, you're right. Tossing your weapon mostly wasn't an exploit, but it was in some cases exploitable. Not to the extent that it was gamebreaking in any way mind you, but it could be exploited. In the worst case scenario, barring the "camping" description which really isn't feasible in UT (I don't play vehakls) what would happen was it would shift the balance in DM/CTF by allowing an individual to have a virtually limitless supply of ammo while in sufficiently close proximity to the weapon spawn. In practice this would yield situations like the following: You run to the rocket spawn, and it up, no ammo pickups are available so you only get the base ammo. Suddenly, 3 opponents descend on you while you're still near the spawn. You manage to kill all 3 without losing much ground as they aren't particularly skilled, but it costs you 8 shots. You are now nearly empty on rockets. Now, under ideal (read: intended) conditions you would go off and find more rocket ammo, or get another weapon and use that, etc. Your choice to stay and fight the three opponents without retreating would have gained you three kills but lost you some ammo and a bit of health. However, with the previous weaponstay+tossing system, you simply toss away the rocket launcher for a brand new and fully stocked one before moving on. Scenarios of this nature happened a tremendous amount in 2k4, and allowed people who were quick on the draw and able to toss and pick up quickly to not have to worry too much about ammo in general, giving them a leg up on people who did not practice this technique and allowing them to rage WS on FFA pubs even more easily than they otherwise might. Honestly I think that's fine, it's no different than dodging (previously dodge jumping), strafe aiming, awareness, or map control. It's a key skill that takes time to learn and ultimately leads to personal gain and betterment, but the problem is that the devs simply do not want this particular element to be present in the game, and that's their decision. I have no quarrel with the new instancing like system, except maybe that it will be harder to gauge an opponent's direction and motivation because you won't know what weapons are available to them.
