So, I realize I am just a scrub and don't have NDC syndrome like some here do, so I will never know what really happened. When the rule book came out and Rob said -who said we where thinking of changing init?- (no quotes cause I am paraphrasing) was that a shot at the guys in the know???
I am confused cause based on Rob's comments it seems this was a 100% player driven change? and therefore it would seem the floor rules and the rule book being different was the only logical conclusion. Am I missing something?
EDIT: found the discussion. I guess since you guys didn't say anything about it then not much as changed.
‹Fool› #9) Rob: What was the thinking behind not changing the initiative rule at this time? Are we likely to see it in the future, and if so when and how?
‹WotC_Rob› What made you think I was thinking about changing or not changing initiative?
‹Fool› I read on a post on the WotC by a user there (I think Ulic Qel-Droma) about a "new initiative rule". Basically, it outlined that at the start of every phase the person going first was to activate one rather then 2.
‹WotC_Rob› Sweet, a question based on a rumor that someone posted on the internet!
‹Fool› Rumors abound! Sorry about that guys
‹WotC_Rob› Now... that being said...
‹WotC_Rob› My desire is to make the best game play experience possible.
‹WotC_Rob› The Dungeons and Dragons Miniatures game has certainly borrowed many ideas from Star Wars Miniatures, and vice versa.
‹WotC_Rob› We've been testing it internally, but are not prepared to go one way or another at this time.
‹Fool› Right, to my understanding that rule applies there (D & D). Understood, that we'll move along away from that topic for now.
‹WotC_Rob› The first place you are likely to see a change in the initiative rules would be during an update of the DCI floor rules for SWM.
I would guess that Rob and Nickname decided that it was not in the best interest of the CASUAL side of the SWM game to make a drastic change like this. The competitive players have felt that first phase combos have been way too powerful for a while now, so it doesn't surprise me to see this finally make it into the competitive rules. It certainly makes things a tad confusing for anyone who wants to play both casual and DCI games, but at least there's a clear distinction between the two.