Thanks for your understanding
IMO the game is stagnating and in fact it has almost become a hands-off game and a frustating one if the AI is acting so strange as it did the last few turns. And in such a situation it's better to quit the game then continue the way we are playing now.
And I know that at least one other, still active, player agrees with me on these points (he has told me that in private).
So something needs to be done.
With the current number of players I really think it would be good idea if the players could choose a second country to play.
For example I will really apreciate it if there was an active player for Russia and Poland again (and I also like to know if Asaris is still participating in the game because he missed last turn. In case he isn't I like an active player for Austria too).
As Owen pointed out playing two countries can result in some abuse. I think that can be limited by choosing countries which have a minimal influence on each other as possible. Furthermore I think that we have to trust the players to play fair and not to abuse the situation that they are playing two countries. Selling Oporto to Brandenburg is a deal which didn't make sense in the past for example. So a player shouldn't do this.
Furthermore we have to restart the diplomacy again. That's really necessary to get a more enjoyable game (at least that's my opinion). And maybe we should do that more in public.
To encourage the diplomacy I think it's a good idea that we shorten the maximum duration of NAP's and treaties a little bit. Because once you have a treaty or NAP the diplomatic contacts between 2 countries stop till the next treaty has to be negotiated.
Regarding the AI. I hope that the change to normal will result in a more reasonable working AI. But maybe we can do some additional research on this topic.
Finally I think it's important that every player participates actively in the game and will do his utmost to send his orders or asks for a delay of the turn if he isn't able to participate temporary (for example because of holidays).
Given the fact that there are so few players left I think such requests should be granted in general.
(I'm aware that El Greco becomes in trouble at the end of September due to his change of job, but I hope something can be worked out for him).
Because I haven't participated in this game last week (I know I'm responsible for this myself and I apologize for the inconvenience) I will appreciate if the current deadline will be delayed with a week. I really need to renew my treaty with Austria and IIRC my treaty with Russia.
Furthermore I think it's important that the issues raised above will be resolved before the game continues.
I'm looking forward to your comments (and hopefully your support)
PS : This means I will continue playing the game if that wasn't already clear.
