Please excuse me, as the organizer I'm trying to be as tight as possible with everyone here so there are no misunderstandings by default, but...
What you wrote simply blew my mind. It feels like you play Heroes as if it were Diablo or Quake... Although I've heard something completely different. In HoMM5, you're actually a recognized god.
What do you mean "bland crap"??? Absolutely clear characteristics were listed that truly influence the competitive aspect of our game. Small maps are indeed relevant for players of average level and below. I experienced this firsthand, going through hardships to get into WT, not just because I "liked the features." And it was precisely the competitive play of WT on large maps, by neutralizing the random factors inherent in SoD, that raised my skill to a normal level.
Yes, SoD is a stable version, but players in it don't develop one bit. It's like playing Minesweeper for speed.
I am writing all this while agreeing to hold the CIS tournament with absolute priority for SoD, in order to ensure the attendance of the maximum number of Heroes fans. But let's acknowledge the obvious things, gentlemen. And not write, as ATG—who is disliked by many here—likes to say, "what kind of nonsense is this?". Common sense must prevail over feelings when it comes to sports.
Sorry, but my mind is blown by your complete misunderstanding of the situation. Let me clarify: "bland crap" means the almost total neutralization of randomness's influence on the game. What you believe makes the game maximally equal and "sporty"—such as always having an equal starting army, no morale, always perfect Dragon Utopia, and rich respawn—is seen by many others as making the game "boring." The tension and drive of the game disappear.
Regarding the bolded part—no comment. It perfectly demonstrates the vision of the current state of affairs in the SoD HD+ community through the eyes of the "strongest players."
And a blunt question—when was the last time you played SoD, and have you played with the new generation of players who "don't develop"?
Regarding small maps—and the thorny path into WT, development, and so on. Everyone knows how WT appeared and that at one time all the strongest players chose this version. But time passes, the situation changes, new players arrive, old ones leave. One version develops and finds a new life, while another stands still and stubbornly continues to be "the same" based on old memories. And to admit that things are slightly different now—how could you even think about that?
ps. The comparison with Diablo and Quake was very pleasing. Apparently, it's very fitting, although I wouldn't understand why, since I play neither of them.
