ais523 wrote: > So the question here is, does the current concept of Caste fit > sufficiently with the old concept of the Oligarchy that it allows us to > define "Oligarch" sufficiently well to define "marvy"? Instead of having > one distinction (oligarch vs. non-oligarch), we now have 5 (alpha, beta, > gamma, delta, savage). So where could we draw the dividing line?
Gratuitous: The link is probably even stronger than noted. >From approx. March 2000 to October 2001, Oligarchs were divided into High, Middle, and Low, with periodic forced promotions (Low to Middle, Middle to High) and demotions (High to non); Caste was deliberately designed to reflect this version. >From approx. October 2001 to July 2004, Oligarchs were flat; this is the version that H. Judge ais523 has described. >From approx. July 2004 to December 2006, Oligarchs were replaced by holders of Share Cards, again introducing multiple levels as well as ongoing maintenance costs (the more Share Cards you had, the less other Cards you could have, due to maximum Hand Size).
