posted 07-14-99 04:24 PM ET        

While we can yappety yap all day about how getting Eudomania is a cool idea, on "classic" Blind Research Transcend there are more pressing problems.

So folks:

-- How much would you pay Santiago for Doctrine: Flexibility?

-- Which areas do you choose first, and why? Second, and why?

-- Do you prefer single-area research, or multiple areas?

-- What do you do when you realize that instead of "Doctrine: Flexibility" your PeaceKeeper scientists have decided to research the Impact weapon? (Or similar cases.)

posted 07-14-99 05:43 PM ET            

Doctrine: Flexibility is so important to me that, if she demanded it for the technology, I would give our dear Colonel the pound of flesh nearest my heart and a hunk of cheese. (Partially, it's my navy fetish, but I strongly believe that if you control the sea, you control the game until, say, 2400 or so.)

What I choose to research really depends upon my situation -- who I am and who I'm around. If I'm Lal and I live next to Yang, I'm very interested in Conquer. If I'm all alone I'll go for Discover. Of course, I always research Explore, all the time...so these are concurrent choices, if that makes sense. I always research two areas, except under extreme duress.

If my scientists aren't getting the job done, I bargin for what I need -- or steal it, if I think I can pull it off.

You're right. Blind research is *much* more realistic. I almost feel like directed research is a form of sanctioned cheating.