For starters, I can understand how some people really want to focus on playing balanced games. Nevermind that the map itself was deliberately unbalanced. These players tend to resent people who try to "take advantage" of problems either with the software or with player attendance, and do their best, in many cases to prevent what they see as unfair play.

I can respect that.

The other side of the coin, of course, involves recognizing that completely balanced games are not that fun. Usually they result in a six-way draw, after four hours. If seven expert players show up for a game, there is little tactical advantage in trying to thin the pot below six. As you move some of your pieces into place for an offensive, someone else will poke at your flank. Everyone moves in circles, and alliances shift approximately every two to three turns to prevent a rout.

And what's more, unbalanced games are sometimes more fun. Personally, I enjoy fighting my way out of a corner. This was one of the funner games that I've played in a while.

I've more I could say about all this, but honestly I don't want to bias anyone against balanced games. Simply, I would want the people who really prefer balanced games, to understand that us people who enjoy unbalanced games, aren't primarily interested in cheating.

Thanks in advance, and please don't hesitate to share your thoughts. I genuinely don't want to try to represent my point of view as a 'correct' one. Rather, I would want people to understand that there are at least two intelligible opinions to be had on the subject.

Thank you.