MengTzu: NO to all 4. It is easy to learn a few chinese characters and you will be familiar with them after 1-2 games. I have more fun playing with original pieces. I regard special boards and pieces as an additional barrier. There are better ways to make Xiangi more popular in non-asian countries than to invent a new design.
To Thom27: Yes, we can said this way too ;) Seriuosly speaking, i think xiangqi must be learned without "western" signs. It's like learn Chinese western chess with "Ming epowue" figures....
(скрий) Ако искате да намерите по-старо съобщение от определн потребител, чукнете на неговия Профил и използвайте препратката "покажи съобщенията от този потребител" в горния край на страницата. (konec) (покажи всички подсказки)