A lengthy roleplay session can be an hour or so long. During this time it is increasingly likely that one or more participants will become exhausted / thirsty / hungry. It is great that these systems are in place 'to remind' players to roleplay -- but would it not be more beneficial to :-
- Err on the side of roleplay over realism.
- Lessen the penalties.
- Move towards a system of alternative yellow text messages (You are hungry. You are thirsty. You are nauseous. You cannot concentrate etc).
Do these penalties really 'add' to the RP environment or do they 'detract' from the environment?
Perhaps I am turning into a 'grumpy old man' but I find this mechanic increasingly more intrusive.
In brief -- simplify the system.