Is there a preference for civilization managers who are competent and/or intend to keep it running safely and well? I ask this because I will probably fulfill neither of the two aforementioned.
My personal opinion:
As long as the Fortress remains playable for the rest of the group.
Mistakes happen for sure, and I consider myself only a beginner as well (And I'll surely make lots of mistakes), but personally I think a lot of Fun in Dwarf Fortress lies in incompetently combatting what the game throws at you and praying you survive. Though I did read some games set some rules to make things more challenging (No Dwarven Atom Smasher, no huge hallways with traps etc.).
Anyway I say competence isn't important (So don't let that stop anyone), as long as you know how a Dwarf looks like in the game. And for keeping it running safely: Just try to keep the Fortress alive for the rest of us. Go wild beyond that. All I ask is that you take proper screenshots and write it all down for everyone to enjoy
