The generic reason for popularity of variants was not only to have a game where there was a chance against the masters but also to defeat program users. Once someone even hints they have access to program then their every victory is tainted whether they use one or not. I have webtv which can't use one but if I could I would when playing another admitted program user. Then it would be machine againt machine. Otherwise there is zero chance. But the best defense against the accusation is to point to your loss record which in my case is substantial and which would never happen if a program was used. I have played checkers against people who have played over the board in Las Vegas so I know how good they are but even they can only hope for a draw against most programs,,and only then if they play perfect checkers. Chess I know nothing about..still less about Gothic Chess.