A player of any skill should take any advantage he gets. I suppose being a very good player while not taking advantage of treaties is somewhat of a contradiction.
It's the same I guess with gem gens and tarts and what not. if the game rules allow a given tactic, strategy or any other advantage barring an exploit, a player in his right sense would be forced to take it. Not really a choice in the matter
I'm not advocating "death" to diplo games. Just saying I find the RAND game refreshing and, trying to put the finger on why exactly, I came to attribute that to the no diplomacy.
You know, what you're saying made me think back on the player composition in past/present RAND games. Perhaps there is indeed a majority vet players in RAND games.
If so, I wonder why?
Oh and sorry for taking this a bit OT. Back to pledges please