- The purpose of competitive play is to determine who is the best
True
- A more technical skill intensive game allows for a larger gap between overall player skill (factoring other things e.g. mindgames)
Generally true, HOWEVER, what makes technical depth in general allow for a larger gap in player skill AT ALL PLAYLEVELS?
When the technical skill allows players to chose whether or not to use a move based on what is strategically most efficient (or better yet, not only "if", but also "how to use the move"). At low levels of play, the tech requires practice to learn and knowing it separates the good players from the bad ones.
At high levels of play, pretty much everyone knows it, and what separates the good players from the bad ones is how effectively they apply it.
With pass/fail mechanics however, it isn't like that. At low levels of play, it seperates people based on who knows it or not, but on high levels or play, it's assumed, the fact that it's an AT doesn't matter. All it amounts to is a couple hours/days/weeks/months to learn the tech perfectly.
- A more defined set of 'who is better than who' promotes more practice, which in turn promotes fiercer, more interesting competition
- More competition amongst the top ranks is very fun to watch/be part of (provided you don't take it -too- seriously)
- Happiness ensues
The rest I agree with, except for one thing.
L-canceling is assumed in the top ranks, and since it's a pass/fail mechanic, having it there doesn't make the top ranks any more competitive because it doesn't really separate anyone in the top ranks from anyone else.
No, because you can FF at any time, therefore, it doesn't matter where you are in your jump, or where you would have been. As soon as you leave the ground, FF. No regard to SH or a full jump.
There's still a couple of extra frames for full-hop.
Regardless, I see that at that point of a full hop, if the mistake is recognized so iimmiediatly, it's not really a mistake, more of a mind-game, so it just gives more dimension to the approach set-up.
Reallistically, at this point in the game, I'd say that's a good thing.