As before, I have said dialogue is important.

If the conversation does not lend itself to improvement of both sides, keep your piece to yourself, and keep it peaceful for the environment.

We are talking about excited youths playing a fun game (backfield starting positions notwithstanding) and improving board vision, whether in 8x8 or 8x10. That is all this line is discussing. Aspersions cast in either direction will not help this conversation. I know all involved are wellsprings of good information in the right circumstances; I ask that all involved pretend these are the right circumstances in which you each can give your best. I expect nothing else, so I am sure that the right spirit will come to this conversation.

The ability to weigh options you had not previously before considered is a great tool in this game. I saw many kids using the Gothic games as tactics warmups before their 8x8 games, and I had a few come back to me to say their decisions were different as to attacks after playing the Gothic. The idea that "boy, I had never considered that before" tactically means that it had an effect. That the kids felt the effect was positive means that it WAS positive. They were excited, they won their games, and the attacks they used were new means that the game became new to them. To me, that is a plus.