[Kel]

[quote]Originally posted by PvK:

Sure. I was mainly just responding to the idea that popularity equals proof of imbalance.

That's true, that popular opinion doesn't make it unbalanced. I might disagree, though, that the balance is more important than perceived balance.

If something is somewhat unbalanced in the game, at this point, it isn't going to be a game breaking issue. It's most likely going to be a small advantage that can be overcome with skill or luck.

The problem with perceived advantage is that it reduces variety in game play. That is much harder to deal with and requires you to limit who you play with and what maps, house rules or such you play with.

Now, of course it isn't smart to change a game based on a 'flavor of the month'. On the other hand, if it sticks around for some time, it reeduces variety and that bothers me a lot more.

I think it would be worse to play against similar nations with similar pretenders, most f the time...then to play against the occasional pretender who I knew had a slight advantage over me.

I guess what I am saying is, in the short term, you are right, band-wagonning is a danger. In the long term, though, popularity, right or wrong, does make a difference, at least if you play with that populace.

- Kel