After playing this game for a month or two, I've found that I really like this game. Recently I've begun noticing that alot of games are decided in the first few rounds as someone creates a larger "domain" then everyone else. At this point, it seems like everyone goes into "coward mode", aka. flag and attack anyone who is not flagged.

Now I understand that this is part of the game, and I fully appreciate the benefits scorewise to going for second. But I can't help but think about how much more exciting of a game this would be if all the players were to actually fight.

There would be a higher value to creating a truce against the "top" player. As it stands now, it seems like it is more beneficial score-wise to flag and become the "helper" of the 1st place guy (as if he needed any help).

Recently, I've decided, when I'm second, to try and fight it out with the first place person whenever I get the chance. However, I have found that even when I'm able to stand my own against the first place person it is often that the other players will attack me as well in an attempt to get second, rather then take on the top player.

This leads me to often get 3rd, 4th, or worse, when I could of easily flagged and got second. I can't help but think that the flag feature takes away from the game.

Anyone have any thoughts on this? Perhaps the feature did not always exist and there is someone with experience to explain the reason for it. Once again, I'm very new to this game in comparison to some of you here, so any guidance would be appreciated.