>*That's* what I think the player number variation is really
>from, not what the post proposes it is.

I agree; the aging of the playerbase is certainly an important factor in the lowering curve of PB numbers.


>Which is why I think the answer isn't this stuff, but just
>publicity and grabbing newer players! :)


I have to disagree here. Just publicity won't do it because part of the problem is new player retention... and this stuff is addressing exactly this. It might not solve everything but it will surely help.

Betting on publicity has been CF staff strategy for the past few years and it effectively brought new players but the problem is that they don't stay. I challenge any Immortal to demonstrate that reducing the capacity to steamroll would not be helpful for new (and medium skilled) players retention.