macbone wrote:I'd have to say that it should be proved that the medals were earned as a result of cheating. I'm sorry that I didn't read the whole thing, symmetry, and maybe I would if I had more time, but if it could be shown that medals were earned as a direct result of cheating, fine.
But I'd disagree with saying that all multis should be stripped of their medals (which seems to be what some people in this thread are calling for.)
People create multis for various reasons. If, say, someone created five multis so they could play all their multis on random games to win random medals, then obviously, yeah, strip 'em of those medals. Or if someone creates a multi, enters a doubs tournament with that multi, and wins the tournament, strip that person of the tournament medal.
But if someone's gained X number of medals by playing other people, and they've created multi(s) to, I dunno, play other games, then I don't think that person should be stripped of their medals. I'm in favor of the punishment fitting the crime. If someone creates a multi, ban that account and strip 'em of premium. Losing a very real $25 seems to me like a much harsher and more appropriate punishment than taking away medals.
Are we including farmers in the "cheaters" category (farming seems to be cheating to me). I'd say any medals earned while farming should be stripped as well - medals are a reward for achieving certain milestones, and if those milestones are achieved unfairly, remove those medals.
I think that's partially a fair point, although you seem to spend most of your post talking yourself out of it. But yes- the obligation is obviously that cheating be proven before any punishment is applied, whether that be stripping medals or the many forms already in place.
Now, of course, a player caught cheating faces an escalating set of punishments far more serious than what I'm suggesting, as you point out. I think that if a person has been found to have been cheating on the site, they should have the rewards that the site gives to honest players removed. If they are capable players, they can earn those medals back fairly, and in a way that doesn't involve conning other people.
Just like the ranking and ratings system, medals are a way of showing that a player is trustworthy. A flawed way, obviously, but one that deserves a degree of respect.