[Maerlande]

I think the player should get a kind PM and offer to help. But basically, it's part of the metagame luck that you might end up with a neighbour who screws up royally. If you can jump on him and take advantage, more power to you. You might even get the win just because of that.

In my first MP game it was a mix of noobs and experienced players. I got lucky and ended up with noobs on my side of the map. It gave me two easy wins against those players and as a result I have the biggest empire. The veterans all bashed each other senseless on the other side of the map.

That's just luck of the draw. I think the player should be left alone even if it warps the game. Unless it's severe staling.