DISCUSSIONS on “Rules for online games in HoMM3 and formulas for calculating player rating.”

We prohibit choosing Gosh and Shakhter as starting heroes; we leave the portal and converter as they are – resulting in two perfectly healthy castles, strong but without any excesses.
Regarding the other issues, I agree with loi – this is SOD, and we love it for its randomness.

I agree with Alex_R that a random start will add variety to the game. There will always be opponents (for example, I wouldn't refuse), but I don't understand what this has to do with the rules...