Regarding your above example, if I understand correctly (and I am guessing the I,S,W refer to the captains bids), I've spent 2 traitor points on Mad Francis which is why I have won him rather than Wrana (SS stands for 2 bids). And the traitor point bids on Mictlan and Helheim have cancelled each other out so those players remain loyal to their teams.
Any thought given to how the co-opted player might feel about playing the traitor role (given they have no choice in the matter)? Especially since that player would be the subject of immediate attack by his compatriots if discovered.
I am guessing overall, the effect of the combo of unspent design points spent on pretenders and on traitor points, a captain will likely want/need to go with a rainbow/immobile or other cheapo or non-awake pretender, particularly if they want a "power" nation and/or want to ensure they can buy some allies or ensure the loyalty of their crew, unless they don't mind taking some hits on their scales or magic.
Hmm, as an aside, I guess the object of your pretender point bidding and the various point schemes I've seen for nation selection is an attempt to ensure fairness in the competition for the perceived "power" nations. Looks like it might be useful in non-team games especially, not so sure if it is the optimal way to go in team games though. I do wonder if it doesn't favor veterans or more experienced players (especially in non-team games), as rank noobs would not be well versed in pretender choices, nation selection, which nations are "better", and the many subleties of pretender design.
