Purple:  thanks ;)

Purple:  Agreed.  And there's always the global route, as Rod said.  As for checkers, I've decided to try to learn the game a bit.  I know the moves but know nothing about opening theory nor of endgame theory.  And I'm fuzzy on the middle stuff too! ;)  My kids at school (elementary) can beat me.  I think in time I can improve somewhat but I think I'll be rated to begin with near 1400 or maybe a bit less.  We shall see soon enough ;)

Stardust:  I don't really pay that much attention to BKR but I am proud that I am rated what I am in both Chess and Backgammon games.  There are games I don't do well in and my BKR reflects that.  If I really stink at a game (like go) then I'm not inclined to play it.

I'm really just learning checkers strategies.  I think I had a won game the other day but blew the ending.  Losing is learning. ;)  Oh well, that's what I tell my chess students.

As for cheating (I'm not trying to keep up this dialogue, just a final perspective maybe) there will always be situations where that happens.  There are various ways to handle such things.  But as a moderator, I can say that once accusations of any kind hit the public boards, there is no choice but to moderate.  Even if there is truth in what is said, public boards are no place for those types of post.  ;) 

I do agree with you about a balance.  They are after all, just games.  But in finding a balance between playing for fun and playing for 'points, we always keep in mind that we run the race to win.  If I lose, I lose.  But I never like it.  Some say that it's not if you win or lose but how you play.  But I say playing to win (and in some cases playing NOT to lose such as in chess and going for a draw when your position is inferrior) is always what I seek. ;) 

Now I'm rambling  :)  Merry Christmas! 

Stardust:  It's an achievement.  A trophy.  I play for the fun of it but BKR is important to me.  Some games I don't play so well.  But where I am good (or decent) then the BKR is a testament to that ;)