I agree, those who choose to attack rather than advanced himself really going no-where. I am now Industrial age, and the player still in late middle age. It looks like all he ever play is to attack attack thats it. Thats not fun to me. I first started this game out by attacking people, then i realized that eventually i would need goods and blue prints for my GB's. By trading and " playing nice" at start proves good in the long run. I am sure no player willing to trade/ M/P the player after being aggressive all of the time. What surprising why didn't the neighbor merge started on monday? Most of my neighbor are inactive/quit because of that one player destorys it all. For those who think plundering is the ONLY thing is wrong. In any war games just like this one, it takes combinations of attack and protecting yourself, trading with other players. I would agree a Virtual Community works best in the long run.
You have been led astray by the players.
1. Attacking and plundering assists you at any age.
-FE will be coming soon. I have already plundered the goods to research two tech right off the bat, so ill be in the new age moments after launch( or at least when i log on)
-with the new bazaar fps can be plunder assisting your research.
-Units are there to fight and die for you. If they aren't plundering after they have died for your glorious empire then you really just pissed on their grave.(in other words the cost coin/supplies/city space use them to their full potential which includes taking other peeps coin/supplies/goods)
2. Yes plundering does have to be on a daily basis, this encourages activity on both the attacker and defender.
3. NEVER....NEVER....EVER...EVER...send your fps outside of your guild. If your going to lvling a gb it might as well be guildie. If you have outgrown you guild, send them to a friend..but never make someone in your hood stronger, they are your only direct competitors.
4. Nukes? use your science..if you had them, he would have them..science.
5. I have discussed the "anti plundering mentality" at length, and there can be no doubt that it has hurt the game. Look at the gvg map, that should be enough prove the player base has a distinct lack of competitive spirit. And i blame these "higher player" telling you plundering doesn't work..it does...get to it. Find some mentors that have a better understanding of game immediately. Because YOU won't be getting very far with them.
6. Friends and Guilds are for aid and trade...your neighbors are your only direct competitors.
7. This is strategy game of which war plays a significant part in. Handling yourself in the hood is game basics, how can you be a good guildie if you can't even handle your hood?