Hoplo, thematically, it was actually the threat of these AIs (or unfeeling ones) that made noobs and vets (and intermediates) unite together into the mixed teams they now comprise. The combination of the BI mod, dastardly AI builds with deadly suprises courtesy of Gandalf, and 4 extra starting locations should at least make expansion a bit more difficult for the experienced players (rather than steamrolling weak indies like they are used to), while the corner AI starts will give the noobs a good chance to gain some AI/SP experience, which again is the reason I consider them important. Sorry if I come off as whiny, but really all we need is a single intermediate, with a semblance of guts, to fill a slot, and save me extra work having to come up with a new set of starting locations. My point is simply that, if you've got the time and dedication to participate in 5 or more FFA games, or spend larges amounts of time chatting it up on IRC, you should have the time and dedication for a single team game.
Algae, being a captain is nothing really. You get first nation choice and you become moderater of the team forum, not a big deal. You draw up the ranked list based on your teams preferences. You PM it to me. You work with your other teammates to defeat your enemies. Come now. I think people are so focused on winning, getting the RIGHT nations and other details, they forget about having fun. Throw your team together and lets mix it up. I promise I won't slap anyone in the face if their team loses.
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No one should use the AI element as an excuse not to participate. Compstomping can be great fun, and in this game it is only the preliminary. And now I will get down from my noob soapbox.
Welcome back Illuminated, good to have you. I'm putting you on the Deva's, unless you've another preference.