Well, I still don't think the gifting of the planet itself is a problem. I think it all comes down to what the intent behind the gifting of the planet is. If it is to get around some victory condition that depends on a players elimination then obviously it is wrong. If it is to make possible some convoluted scheme to gain for the gifting player additional resources, research, ships, etc. out of ether then I think it is also clearly wrong.
If on the other hand it's merely a way to keep a friend in the game and he intends to try and legitmatly rebuild his empire, or if it's a matter of saving a weaker empire and maybe having them become a useful ally later in the game (The fable of the mouse and the lion anyone?
)
AND it is not expresslly forbidden in the pre-game conditions I would not have a problem with it.
Geoschmo
[ July 25, 2003, 14:29: Message edited by: geoschmo ]