Board Thread:Game Discussion/@comment-11482499-20131024035856/@comment-9890645-20131024195431

Ranoake wrote:

I agree with you again in principle, but what strategy would you suggest that works for you AND me that maximizes MY rubies? You would have to advocate me taking MVPs whenever possible, and that clearly violates your cooperation theme.

Cooperation is great when we all win, but when one party gets more than another, then it is no longer the best strategy for the person who gets less.

I guess the bottom line is that cooperation does not always result in it being better for 'all'. It depends what each person needs and wants. You can't always maximize everyone's wants and needs by cooperating when they are competing for the same resource. base points and rubies are replicated for all parties involved, but MVP rubies and points are not, only one person gets those, which is why it is so contentious. The difference in rubies especially is not trivial. I would advocate taking MVPs wherever practical. You should have a mix of allies from all tiers, so you can MVP some T3/4 players' stuff for FREE rubies. It's one of the benefits I receive from my T2 allies. You need to avail yourself of similar opportunities, and they're out there.

Yes, we all don't win the same, but we all don't have the same skin in the game. It's what makes Warren Buffett a multibillionaire and me an average Joe.

Your wants and needs cannot overextend beyond your skin in the game. This was what I figured out on day 2 that caused me to start paying Mobage for the privilege to be able to excel at one of their games. ;) If you want to be a free/low-pay player, be a consistent T2 player who hoards resources in order to attempt a T1 run. Basically... Know your role, but, more importantly, accept your role. You know the route to change your role if you can and so desire to.

If I was still playing Magic like I used to, I'd have to be a free/low-payer myself. I would have to accept my role, too, and I would... or I'd just not play if I was uncomfortable with that role.