QM, the concept is by its very nature umbalanced. Whenever you've got noobs facing vets, that will be the case. In a 1:1 game, the vets must be handicapped in order to give the noobs a fair shot. Ideally, it should be green noobs vs hall of famers(my vision).
With 1 noob and 1 vet in the water, you've basically got a 1:1 matchup, who do you suppose would have the upper hand under the waves? I would think the noob water nation would be wiped out rather quickly, before getting a chance to learn how to play.
With a 2:1 ratio, well things start to even out a bit especially if the vets can survive into the midgame and/or netrualize the noobs early numerical superiority(at least that seemed to be the consensus back then). However, many have said that 2:1 is too much and took the last game as proof, so I attempted to correct for it with some advantages for the vets in this game and a greater prov/player ratio and larger map/longer game which is what you guys suggested was one of your mistakes (I refer you to Ironhawk, et. al closing comments from game 1, prov/player ratio was too small, so forth, and so on..).
I do intend to make it harder for the vets next game, depending upon what happens here. One way to do that is to go to 3:1. Now tell me, do you really want to give up any advantages you might have? I'd rather think you'd want more (a no first attack rule for the noobs might be good).
I don't intend to increase the prov/player ratio, don't worry. Yes, vets may be more qualified to judge balance. NAP or no NAP, it is arguable whether it had any effect. I put it in to keep Atlantis from attacking early.
Rare events, standard events, makes no difference to me, whatever everyone wants, I don't have the time to put into this game that others seem to have. I've got other priorities. I like the heroes and the occasional gold, that comes with the events, that's about all.
I'm sure we will find a way to compromise between my "vision" and the balance the vets seek.
Now Vets, let me hear your suggestions for a perfectly balanced game. If you were admining tell me the exact settings you would choose and why: prov/player ratio, noob/vet ratio, and every other setting.
It will save time next game, by getting this stuff out of the way now, also will keep the thread alive.