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Subject: Re: Comp games on ICC should be unrated

Author: Slater Wold

Date: 10:38:00 07/09/01

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Perhaps that's not a bad idea.  But the simple truth is, most people play for
that rating.

Take "RebelRex" for example.  His first 600 games, he playing anyone, or
anything, rated over 2500 unrated or rated. At any timer.  His rating was
approx. 3000.  He has recently changed, to only play humans, and is now 3200+.
Why did he do this?  To compete with Spitfire?  Because he is only interested in
results against humans?  Who knows?!  Who cares!?

The reason I do NOT believe in computers that play humans only, is just as Bruce
Moreland stated.  I _LIKE_ to play humans, more so than I like to play other
computers.  However, I am rated a lowly 2950, with a high of 3080.  Now, who is
a 3000 rated GM going to play?  A 3400+ or a 2950?  Regardless of WHO the best
is, the higher rated will almost always be played.

I just took a look at my DB, and well over 80% of my rated games on ICC have
been against other computers.  With the other 20% being 5 or 6 FM's, IM's, and
GM's.

The truth is, that GM's on ICC are rating pigs just like Spitfire.  If they
offer lessons, the one with the biggest rating will get more stundents, more
simul's, more money.

I think Scrappy was a valid experiment.  And I think it was interesting.
However, I feel it was _VERY_ unfair.  Let me explain:  I understand 100% why
Bob did it.  Because if you ever saw Crafty before Scrappy was around, there was
usually a line to play it.  GM's were being cut off by computer accounts, and
Bob has always said, he is more interested in playing humans than computers.
This makes a second account completly understandable.  However, let's look at it
in this aspect; does Bob pay for the account Scrappy?  I mean, I understand he
pays for Hyatt, but what about Crafty and Scrappy?  I think if ALL the (C)
operators on ICC got 3 accounts, we would all be a lot better off.  I mean, we
could have one for (C)'s only, one for humans only, and one for ourselves.
Perfect!  However, that's $150 a year, just in a "recreational" hobby.  I don't
know many people who are going to go for that.  I also understand that Hyatt is
the author, and he has special privleges for this.  However, SMK, Christophe,
Ed, Frans, NONE of them have ICC or FICS accounts.  It's not like we are taking
away directly from the programmers.  Also, you must again take into account, who
is a GM going to play?  A 2950 rated commercial program, or a 3400+ rated
Crafty?  Once again, it just all makes better sense.  Once agian, I do not
disagree about what Bob did, it did make sense.  Just making the point that if
we were all afforded the luxury of 3 accounts for the price of 1, we wouldn't be
having this conversation.

I use my account for bullshit.  I won't use a book here, use a screwy book here,
use this here, that there, etc., etc.  My 2950 rating is BS.  And I am happy
with it.  I can get a game just about 24/7 on ICC, against the best computers,
and SOME GM's.

Let's also think back about 2 months ago.  JRLOK issued a match to ME, on ICC.
NOT to Spitfire.  Let's all take a minute, and think why that is.

Bottom line, anyone who makes the stupid statement, "Fastest single processor
system on ICC" is automatically a rating pig in my eyes.  I have the fastest
system PERIOD on ICC, and would never bring it up, or state it.  (Well, other
than here.)  I will _NEVER_ have the highest rating on ICC.  And that doesn't
bother me.  I will also _NEVER_ only play humans.

That's enough for now, I think.  :)


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