@jamie - that's a fine way to look at it. but many players do not see the points (and winning or losing them) as relevant to the game, they're just a system used to control how participation fluctuates on this internet gamey thingy. so, some players, including myself, feel very frustrated when others have gaining points as their goal, rather than trying to win, or trying to keep anyone else from winning (ie a draw). that said, i think it's fine whatever perspective people have on the game, i just prefer not to play with people who are focused on points - not out of judgment, but out of stylistic difference.
apart from that, a large aspect of the enjoyment i personally get from the game is never knowing who is conspiring against you, and doing your best to minimize conspiracies by playing well and keeping your allies from getting one up on you, or viewing you as getting to close to a solo win. so start of the game "let's play this to 17-17" *can* take some of that fun out of it, but not all of it, that's for sure. for me, games with constantly shifting alliances are a lot more fun, but i also can enjoy a game where i reach a two or three way draw with allies i've stuck with through the game. depends on the situation.
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