grenv: I think it is a good arguement.... something that is evolving every day here. I predicted an evolution in this game on this site, especially in opening bids. It is different than a live game face to face with everyone.
I dont play chess, but I think if it wre a match game with 10 games or so, I might be willing to play a few moves "poorly" on purpose to maybe mislead my opponent into making a stupid move later thinking I will not catch on.

It also depends on if you are playing for wins or for BKR, because thare are different strategies for both. (unless you can win alot and then the BKR will take care of itself) Playing like a rock on your end game will not always give you the best possible position in the end, but it will gaurantee that you do no worse then the position yopu start in. Also if you are playing for wins only, then each game may simply be a game unto itself, but if you are playing for BKR, then it is more like a poker game and you have to look at your results over the long term instead of from game to game. Is two 2nd place games better than a 3rd and a 1st????? Dont get me wrong... if I am in first place with 5 to go, I hope everyone plays like you and others, to just hope not to get worse than you are already are, and I will win more than lose, but if you were to mix it up some, I wouldnt know what to do, and you might make a big comeback and go from 3rd to 1st instead of staying safely ion 3rd.

Anywho, plent of ramblings for now