also try... things you are suggesting are things you want implemented in the game. but what's being asked for is things that will keep people playing regularly, and attract new players. if it's a difference between a bit more money found in a mission or leaving it as is... would you leave the game over that? or will you quit larkinor if you are never able to trade items directly between your char's? the more you get into the game, the more you'll realize how important things like difficult transferring of items is to the game. things like that make it more balanced, more difficult, more dangerous, and more fun... to those who like the challenges. at least that's my take on the matter.
as for putting the thread back on topic... small challenges would probably work very well. things similar to the digging event of a few years ago, or like someone suggested above, with robbing, fighting, digging, etc challenges, with a different one each month (or week if they were small). these things shouldn't require too much extra programming... just one extra counter the game keeps track of. and most of the time, a small cash reward would work well... wouldn't put the game out of balance. maybe the occational (every few months... twice a year, whatever) new or repeated but rare/priceless item could be the prize (such as the diamond shovel, possibly a golden crowbar, temporary thief-deflector for the pack, temporary extra trap space in the house, etc). by only offering silvers, special items (that break less often than the normal ones), or temporary advantages against attacks, character balance and the like wouldn't be affected (at least not much). those are my thoughts.
--jason