Bets

The "Illumination" format has a drawback: the luckiest player will win. In the game, this aspect is somewhat balanced when everyone plays against everyone else. And here's another suggestion to further level the playing field: play without prisons and scouts in scouting. That would make it more interesting.

Dave's proposal would result in even fewer games, and the probability of getting into the top 2 without much effort would be higher. "Illumination" is, let's say, an averaged-out option. Although I also agree that playing "everyone against everyone" would be better. They say there will be a number of insignificant games. I don't think so; the players here are too skilled and competitive to play carelessly. Personally, even if I lost 2 games and lost all chances of winning prizes, I would play the 3rd game with full dedication, just for the sake of prestige.

Regarding prisons, I'm in favor. Regarding scouts, I'm against it because then you would also have to ban special units with 4th-level magic, and so on.