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I agree with SwampDog. From what you're saying, I don't see where you're doing anything wrong.

Immobilize and prone most certainly does not prevent monsters from attacking. They are looking for the "stunned" condition, which is a lot harder to do in heroic. However, these conditions can prevent attacks if players then follow it up with strategic movement. Maybe you might point out, the next time they immobilize a monster with only melee attacks, that if they disengage before it goes it won't be able to attack anyone. (You shouldn't have to do that, but once they get they idea, they might enjoy their immobilize toys more.)

For the rotating DM style you have, I strongly recommend taking a look at some of the location in motion threads. This would allow them to determine their own plotline, and since your players are your co-DM's, they can even move the story to what they plan on telling during their own sessions. That may have an immediate impact on how much they are "enjoying" your sessions. If you have questions on location in motion - Iserith is our resident expert.

Lacking a role is self-correcting. They'll either decide to continue to live with a heavy burn party, or they'll prepare for it with their powers/items/feats, or someone may get frustrated and switch to playing a leader. In addition to potions, you could also add some terrain features here and there to help. Maybe some special terrain that works like bloodrock, only instead of critting on a 19-20, you can spend a healing surge if you crit. You don't want to overuse it, but you can sprinkle it in here and there.

Sep 24, 2012 -- 6:10PM, Biggoron wrote:

If I keep the encounter's appropriate by level it becomes extremely difficult for the party, but when I lower the level it gets boring.

Let the players decide the difficulty. Let them get a few easy wins, then ask them if they're interested in greater challenges.

combat tends to be slow

Maybe use average damage. Also: allow the next player to start acting when the current one is not ready.

I stick closely to the rules, which has caused frustration and some hour-long arguments (like whether prone or immobilized creatures can still attack.

My house rule is:
"Standard rules are followed as best as possible, but rules discussions can be replaced with a quick die roll (low=bad for player, high=good for player) until it can be researched later."

It's a small concession, and let's them feel heard. Let the dice be the bad guy (and later, the rules, and/or some random rules lawyer on the rules forum); not you.

I'll admit I do keep the party on rails plotwise

Improvise. You'll likely have more fun as a DM when you try to react to the players trying anything (you'll probably be better at than you think too).

Once let off the leash, players will then tend to try to find the right path. Let them work for it.

Overall, it seems like the players don't 'trust' you yet. Building trust can take awhile, and can involve allowing them some control.

Sep 25, 2012 -- 1:12PM, iserith wrote:

Sep 25, 2012 -- 1:07PM, mvincent wrote:

Let the players decide the difficulty. 

I'm interested in this as it's something I think should be available to the players. Could you elaborate on how you might set about this at the table? How would that work? (It also dovetails with another thread I started if you want to discuss it over there instead of here.)

If I was going to down or up-grade an encounter, I'd bargain. "You're down this character, what do you want me to give up on my side?" I'd try to avoid getting into a discussion of challenge rating or whatever; I just don't consider it to be that accurate.