if you don't want to stat hoard and explot, then simply don't. I don't understand the OP's gripe: he's saying Paradox should make changes to the game to stop people from doing something that they can easily stop themselves from doing...? If someone enjoys "stat hoarding" then they will do it and enjoy it. If someone doesn't want to do it and doesn't enjoy it, then they'll play differently. No need for changes. And I agree with the folks who say they like seeing the numbers. Playing Paradox games, you come to expect them.
I think the OP's idea goes beyond stat hoarding. The idea of masking the numbers would change the experience. I think it would be a fun challenge and slightly more realistic. Who are you going to appoint to a court position? Your realm's largest Duchy's son, or some random landless character? It would be a new dynamic, that isn't as simple as stat hoarding.
I do agree that it should be an option, akin to a fog of war button, but for character stats.
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