Originally posted by MrRiplEy[H]
I just don't see how giving an incentive to balance the game sides is telling someone what to do.
The real questions might be:
1. Incentive? You started these threads with requests for a mechanism to "force" side balancing. That isn't incentive.. that's force. Forcing is telling someone what to do.
2. Is it necessary to give an incentive? After all, a player can switch at anytime. If he chooses.. or does NOT choose.. to do so, isn't that his perogative? What might such an incentive be? Perk points? So then we get people hopping around non-stop to get perks for "balancing"? I doubt we'd ever achieve "balance" that way.
As I've said before, I do think some device that registered new players in the country with the lowest number of registered AH players is in order. I think most folks tend to stick around with the guys that "mentor" them through the beginning of the learning curve. That would have a "balancing" effect over time most likely. It preserves independent gameplay in the arena without "forcing" anyone to do anything.
Originally posted by MrRiplEy[H]
If the situation is like explained above for extended periods of time,
Wait right there.. I don't concur with your theory. I don't think it EVER is like you've painted it when viewed from the MACRO viewpoint, ie: the 24/7 world-wide view. There MAY be some or a few hours of the day when the sides are incredibly unbalanced but I seriously doubt if that situation remains that way continuously through the 24 hour period.
It may also be true that there are some or a few hours of the day THAT ARE THE SAME EVERY DAY when the sides are incredibly imbalanced and always with the sames sides ascendant.
However, as I said, taking the MACRO view, I doubt anyone sees a need to implement a "forcing" device.
Originally posted by MrRiplEy[H]
don't you agree that it slowly kills the fun of the game? We all play to win and if the other side persistently makes winning impossible due to a huge mismatch in numbers, is that a good thing?
Even if this is a "micro" problem, in one time zone at a particular time of day what do you suggest? Changing the whole system because of one anomaly that itself is continually changing? Even you admit the numbers have been varying in a positive manner.
In other words, is the entire system truly "broke"? Because if it ain't broke, don't try to fix it. (An old common sense saying, not original.)
Originally posted by MrRiplEy[H]
Let's try to bury the warhammer
I don't have a "warhammer" out for any individual. I do post counter opinions if I disagree and see the issue as one that needs addressing.
You think I've unfairly tried to end your posting (as you said in another thread). Nothing could be further from the truth. Post all you like; just don't expect that no one will disagree with you.
I believe you also accused me of posting ad nauseam on this general subject. Again I remind you that I have only REPLIED to your posts. That mirror thing again.
As I said, I'm willing to engage in a cheerful discussion of this or any other idea. So let's just keep it cheerful, remembering it's just a silly little computer game and foregoing the ad hominem attacks and other nasty stuff. Sound ok to you?
Originally posted by MrRiplEy[H]
they're scared to express themselves on the UBB. Looking at the responses I've got, it's no wonder.
Not to belabor a point but DO look at the responses you got. And consider what it was YOU said that made folks respond that way.
Sorry, but the way I see it YOU, by your tone and comments, were "asking for it".
As I said, let's forget it all an start afresh without the heat. We don't have to agree; we can agree to disagree. But disagreement should not be cause for flaming should it?
Pongo and I muddled through in that other thread without flames and ending with pretty much mutual respect of the other guy's position. (I think.

)
So why don't we ALL try it that way for a while?
OK... I'm "up and off".
Let's see where it goes now.