Best game, say again, game, reflecting reality in a known unknown universe; life is not fair, people can be and sometimes are really evil (not nice) and if you go where you know that might be the case, be prepared to fend for yourself or just don't go. And when you do choose to go, keep in mind, you might not get a trophy and if you do, whoever gave it to you might just take it away again, because they can - they like being mean; but then again, you knew that when you went there. Have been playing 4 years, last two in open - with numerous interdictions by pirates (combat trader by choice) and ganked twice (lost a Cutter inside a station via ramming). Still prefer open and the chance to learn how to be the independent pioneer that can face a challenge, learn something, adapt, innovate and overcome and on rare occasion get even or even ahead -- all without ever really dying or losing anything of substantial value. Yes, losing a full Cutter (50m Crs) was an emotional shock, but nothing compared to what I've learned building a 1B Corvette, a PVP engineered "Brickwhal" and the fun I'm having mastering F/A Off and fixed Beams, APAs and LR Railguns. It's still a game, better than chess, with inter-galactic diplomacy/intrigue and as far as I can imagine, an accurate reflection of the universe populated/explored by human-kind. And every now and then, I come back to the forum and enjoy some of the best conversations entertainment has to offer. Thanks for taking the time to share. Oh, and fly fast and be dangerous, see you in the black if you fly in open, o7 Cmdr