'CiderPunk' said:
and if they could contribute anything near the amount of man-hours required to make a halo-like game, don't you think it'd be better spent on something that wont get them sued / taken down for copyright infringement?
I think it really depends on what sort of production values your aiming for to be honest. It can still possible and be called Halo if it was only multiplayer, and with a small handful of maps and weapons.
Wouldn't it be better to write something that allows people to contribute more maps without fear of being sued for trademark infringement?