basicaly it IS posible to make homemade flamethrower wich some guy whit high engineering skills could make but people would abuse this
but i think its more realistic if some people start whit a random weapon but you need an app for it and make a story from how you got it and need to be trusted by the team

I'd say that apping for a weapon to start out with would be going too far, the majority of players don't even check the forum before coming to the server (unless it is for a content pack).

Also, I will under no circumstances let a player run around with a flamethrower. There is a limit to the intelligence of the survivors in the metro, and even if they would need a lot of supplies. Factions have limited flamethrowers (if you ever noticed in the game you only see flamethrowers at stations or from the rangers).

Of course, these are all suggestions and I will take them.

About the flamethrowers, there is no such thing as deodorant in the metro, which is the thing you'd need for a homemade flamethrower.

About the apps, I would vote it to be like the flag apps - You'd have to mention a reason your character has it, a story with it (An even better one) and possibly even your OOC use for it.

However, I'd atleast recommend to let them start with a homemade knife, or even just a lead pipe.
Some people might be unsure about the tunnels, and could have played the game ONLY. In the game, entering the tunnels without a weapon is suicidal in all cases. Even if we dont spawn mutants inside the metro (Or rarely do so, like just for events), they wouldnt know, and some people have the urge to keep their character all the time.

About the Dark Ones, okay, event only. I'd be fine with that, absolutely.

And the rest, also okay.

I'll add a poll.

Starting weapons would be abused, think of the damage people can do by just punchwhoring.
Besides, I'd rather have all combat RP'd out. Seeing as there's no possability of having "tunnel trash" such as nostalises or any other non-sentient creatures.

Edit: Also, you'd need a shitload of deoderant to make a lethal flamethrower.