Well this was a weird one
While Strike Talismans started appearing and introduced some new benefits - and challenges - the point system (for me) was the big focus.
Realizing you're penalized to play if you exceed a 1:1 attack/defense ratio if you're near the top in the current environment, I kept attacks down all week and steadily rose - while others rapidly climbed and then fell hundreds (one player close to a thousand) of points just as quickly.
In the end - seeing an opportunity and grabbing a bull (beast?) by the horns - Jofer saw an opportunity (as others including myself twiddled their thumbs waiting for the right time to make a move) and went for it in the quiet arena - once again claiming Eternal. Congrats!
I would have easily met my goal of Top 25 in under 100 attacks (likely Top 10) - but rearranging some things - made a last hour run and claimed third. Ryan - a new name in the top three - captured second. Congrats to him as well! It's very cool he's bucked the Visions Eddie trend and has a (deadly) Samurai in his defense.
As far numbers, mine were as follows:
# of attacks made: 156
# of attacks against me: 128
Finished: #3
To contrast, it's not uncommon for me to have well over 500 attacks. I put my rank because I think it would be interesting to see how people fared relative to their effort, of course realizing one's Win and Hold % also have an influence.
This system needs an overhaul. Fortunately the developers are listening.
And BECAUSE they listen - please look at Don Slauki's thread that he just posted. Don's a smart guy and more importantly - wants things as fair as they can be (I'm glad he doesn't wield the nerf axe ). Comments and suggestions on his ideas would be great as this situation needs to get sorted as soon as possible. Incentives NOT to play help no one.
Thanks!