Could somebody in short words tell me why all (or some) of you
are so
mad about been rated?
Simple: when I play ME, I do so for enjoyment, not as a
popularity contest. A rating system distorts play and introduces
an unwelcome element into the mix.
Complex answer: Ratings systems distort games and create
obsessive players. I, for one, don't want to spend half the
game second-guesing whether or not my coplayers are playing
for ratings or to help my side win. I don't want to spend the
other half wondering if my actions will cause my ratings to fall
and therefore to find myself in the "second tier" when it comes
to setting up games. You know, the "oh no, it's xxx on our side,
he only rates a three, and we needed a five!" syndrome. I play
to the finish. However, my teammates may well decide at some
point they'd rather get a good rating and end the game early
than press on and try to salvage the game. I would be badly
rated, yet by the terms of the game I'm better than those who
quit at the first sign of defeat...
Gavin