Problem - Should drops be penalized?
RD: Not unless you want to drive people who have dropped for [good reason].
The thing is, while some people drop for very good reasons, and hand
off their nation to someone else, irresponsible drops are the #1
reason for crappy games that I've seen.
IF the system is used and a drop is not penalized, then this will be one of those areas open to manipulation. If a drop is not penalized, then a person wanting a high ranking will bennifit from dropping at the first sign the game is going badly.
There should also be a distinction between a drop (ME Games has to find a replacement) and a transfer (the person wanting out plays up until he or teammates find someone to take the position over). This should be combined with a "how much longer the game went on" factor.
Drop or transfer, game lasted less than 5 more turns
full loss/gain of points. (Basically over when quit)
Drop game lasted more than 5 turns, team lost or won
full loss of points. (Don't just drop, or you lose points)
Transfer game lasted 5-10 turns, team won/lost
Gain/lose half points (you had a part in the outcome)
Transfer game lasted more than 10 turns
No effect on score. (as much or more of outcome happened after you)
This is just for the score that goes up and down for each win or loss. The score that is a measure of experience should always go up for the number of turns played. Also the grudge score should go down even if a transfer and the game lasts more than 10 turns, as indicated.
The same should be used for picked up positions. If you pick up a position, and you're eliminated or the game ends within 5 turns, not your fault. No penalty. If it goes 5-10 turns, you get half the gain or loss. If it does more than 10, then it is all on you.
Now, how does being eliminated hurt or bennifit you? I think an elimination should always count agaist you in full, if your team goes on to lose. If you are eliminated, but your team goes on to win, then you only get half the gain. If you get no penalty, then someone wanting to protect a score could intentionally eliminate themselves. If you get full gain, then there would be no reason not to kamakazi against a foe. This "suicide" would improve your team's chance of winning, while allowing you to move on to the next game and next chance of winning points.
Note: I still don't like the idea. I'm just trying to plug gaps open to abuse, in case the system is imposed.
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