A crapload of deticated server space, what would be the advantages?

I can see a server where inputs would be restricted enough that dupung would not only be obvious to Blizz but cheating in general would be easily confronted and eliminated. Could 100% of the game be interpreted on the server side so only the inputs get through or am i dreaming?

Then again, seems like if it was just that, bots would still exist.

please tell me that d2 does not work in this way.

I think the OP was more implying that a fee would change how our server infrastructure would work in order to avoid hacks and dupes and the like. Which would imply it would be designed less secure if no monthly fee were involved, which just isn't the case.

Diablo II is an old game. It was programmed and designed a long time ago. There are holes and client-server relationship choices that would not be repeated today regardless of business model. Mostly because we're not all running around on 28.8's anymore.