I suspect that the choice of ride also makes a difference in style of play. If there is a HOicane, I16 or Brewster involved, I would almost consider that it takes more skill for an opponent not to HO.
I had some great fun there tonight Waystin. Thanks for inviting the gang along and seeding the arena. Part of the fun, sometimes is to let go of the I have to come out on top competiveness and go for the at least the odds were even competitive spirit. But realize that when you seed the arena and folks see an arena that is more active than mid war, you will get folks that drop in that have no interest in growing the arena, simply just grow their own egos.
No matter for what reason they chose to enter the arena, most catch on that it is more about the what if I was an actual fighter in this or that historical period than gathering rank or points for one's own cap.