I think the new style of BM has also given new players a much better shot at getting into higher positions.
While this isn't always the case: cohesive realms = little turnover in leadership.
Although I think heavy intra-realm conflict that happens to the point of crippling a realm is incredibly annoying. It's a hard line to place. I think I'm mainly happy with the way that BM has developed so I'm Vellos' side for this one. Having more personal freedom is certainly upside. I remember back when I played BM a long while ago, rebellions would be so hard to plot because everyone would just cry and tell the judge straight away. I think this happened partly because the government seemed like the almighty power in the realm and there was a heavy team feeling, so the word traitor had more weight.
Of course I may also be becoming better at double-crossing people. Sadly Battlemaster trains the mind for that kind of thing.
