It seems like such a big run of people is some-what unique, and since many did/do not understand exactly how the game works yet - there is a lot of learning for the players.
I really don't see a purpose of the 0 point bid rule. Even in the later rounds, if a person has to bid 0 and get eleminiated - all it does is allow the remaining player to go after the 500 point bonus. Other then that, it is a wasted round. I would vote (next game) to just eliminated people with 0 points left instead of letting them bid next round.
I like for "unlimited players" games, the idea of eliminated multiply players for bigger sections. (2 lowest bids for games with 20+ players, 3 lowest bids for 30+ players, etc... 10 lowest bids for 100+ players)
Plus have "quick" games with limit of 10 or 20 or 30 players.
So Fencer, you talked about some-how making a rating out of this game. What sort of formula were you thinking about using? Or are there other people out there with ideas? I also like the idea to have some sort of rating/ranking/stats for the game.