Simulated Knave wrote:
Speaking personally, I was never so new that I found the combination of Approved, Developmental and Experimental confusing.
I dont think confusing is the right word for it as people could easily understand the differences between the three, maybe frustration is a better term.
I look at it this way.
Someone wants to play the game, they want the rules to play the game, they dont want to be distracted by having to wade through test army lists and development.
Personally I would like to be able to slap a bound copy on the table and say to a friend "mate, here are the rules and all the approved army lists that everyone agrees on, there are more that are in development but I wont confuse/distract you by mixing them with the (semi) official rules and lists.
I am not sure I am explaining it very well but to me the game needs to be presented in 2 ways. The first way it needs to present itself is to new players and you do that by providing them with a solid foundation of approved rules and lists that they can build their knowledge with. the 2nd way is to present itself to epic veterans once again with the solid foundation of rules (that they already have experience with) but also by opening up the next level by allowing them access to development and experimental lists.
That way new players can ground themselves in 'the facts' and choose when they want to look at 'the other options' instead of having a massive book and saying to them 'work it out yourself'

To give it a D&D analogy, make a players handbook and a DMG. Give the new player the players guide and when they are ready they will read the DMG
