Fundamentals and Gamey

[Nodachi]

Call me crazy

OK, you're crazy!

call me dumb

That I won't do. Your argument is too well thought-out for that to be true.

You are, however, using a straight-up kill or be killed game as the basis for your conclusions. The KOTH games are not meant to be RP in any way, shape, or form. They are about who is the best player, who can tweak their empire and strategies for maximum effectiveness.

In an RP game you'll see something completely different. People will set-up their empires in such a way as to be fun to play and to interact with.

As to some of your specific points; yes, in a max tech game you would lower your intelligence stat. This would represent a race that is no longer spending their resources on research. Same goes for a no-intel game.

None of this is cheating. Cheating is breaking the rules. In this case that would mean hacking files or taking actions that are contrary to an individual game's description and set-up.

I know im opening a big can of worms, but i just can not not post it.

You're right, I think it's safe to say that most people are going to disagree with your viewpoint but at least around here they'll be nice about it.