You will be sent to jail for 70 days.

lol..I dont think they would do that. Sony loves its customers and consumers. It doesnt treat them like guinie pigs...unlike another person whos name starts with an M or X. 

Damn...I only see and I think got "Quick Reference" Booklet (Black Booklet with Red streak in middle), and the "Safety and Support booklet (White booklet)

EDIT: Called Sony phone number, and person told me all I need is a proof of purchase, and I still have my receipt : )

I wouldve got this game if it had online, and I havent even ever played the game! (Well once, but thats about it.) 

Metal Gear Solid first, then Metal Gear Solid 2.

Complete Metal Gear Solid first (PS1 game), then Metal Gear Solid 2 (PS2 game) 

I guarentee you it will be the best expierence and story you ever read/expierenced.  

1. Does the multiplayer Aim Assist setting apply to all forms of multiplayer? Specifically, are players able to use it in ranked games?

Yes, I 99.9% believe so

2. Reading the manual, it says that when I find ranked games it will pair me up with players close to my skill level. Every game I've played so far has been 90% people with "Supreme Commander" ranking, with thousands of rounds played. Needless to say, this is slightly frustrating when I'm trying to learn to play. Am I missing a setting somewhere? Is the matchup algorithm just messed up?

My advice: Practice in the single player or co-op with a friend offline. Best advice. Ranks dont always determine peoples skill level. I believe it averages out the stats and ratios.

3. Is there LAN play available? Judging from the menus I've seen, my inclination is to say no. Can someone confirm this for me?

Yes I think so.., there is an "offline" mode I seen that possibly could be "LAN". No big deal if there isnt though.

4. What does the Arc Charger do, specifically? I don't know the difference between regular fire and alternate fire, or the strategy needed for using this weapon.

It tracks unlike bullets. If you miss slightly, it can still hit the person, unlike bullets. You have to be good with this weapon and practice it with it. If your good enough you can practically overcome any/ allot of people vs. machine gun/bullets.

5. In order to use voice communications, I need a mic. Do I need one to hear other people? I haven't heard any voice chat yet...

Either your recieving end of the mic is broken, or you just havent been in a game with people talking yet. I have a mic too and it was a while before I actually heard someone on my mic.

Those who keep trying to find war and war against others, will find no peace.

That is why in allot of my time, I just find peace and enjoy my PS3. Allot of others, whos name begins with an X or M, dont. Allot of these others also even make fake details and fixed bogus videos on youtube. God help them.

Yes this game is excellent, in its whole self. Offline and online, with custimizations and earnings online you can get, and everything that keeps the game going. I believe it will be the strongest online game for the PS3 untill GTA IV or MGS4, then Warhawk.

Note: (GTAIV is not announced online yet, but TBA. This is the best time and a better time then ever for them to go online with GTA.)

I read I think a while back ( A real long time while back, I think before PS3 came out)

That you can play a game, on the same game console, on 2 different TVs. With this you could have extra view, play a 2 player game with 2 screens, and various other things.

True? Possible?

Help appreciated