I hope the real point/goal is not getting lost here... in the ftp format, we DO want a TON of players playing here indefinitely. THEN, a PERCENTAGE of them advance voluntarily to the 'premium mode' which is our regular game.

If we try to make this mode only a temporary and mediocre, lackluster 'beginner's arena' we are handicapping the format before it even gets started. We want this new format to be fun, exciting, and offer gamers a very real taste of what Splinterlands is all about.

If we approach this like we're trying to push every single player of this new format into the premium game, it will fail. If new players get that feeling, the suspicion that they will be forced to pay (and pay a LOT) to get the good stuff once hooked with a little taste, they will likely leave.

We can't FORCE them to move into the real game by offering a subpar or excessively limited experience in the ftp format... that angle is counterproductive, and it literally frightens me when I hear both you and Matt say this is the direction you're leaning towards.

We want to ENTICE players to WANT to VOLUNTARILY move over to the premium version because they got a taste of not only how much fun the game is but also a taste of the other things we have to offer beyond just ranked battle. We want to offer new players an absolutely incredible experience in this new format, and then, once they are hooked, point out to them that the premium format is EVEN BETTER if they should choose to engage. And if you, the ftp player don't WANT to take the leap to premium? No problem, you are still welcome here in the ftp version. :)