Micky, that's obviously a very exceptional case. And you did send it as your first card, correct? Now, lets look at this objectively. If you look at all your treasures, you managed to recoup roughly 1000 vs before you fortressed at what, 7:30?
So, 3 vills * 7.5 minutes 60 *(60 seconds/1minute)= 1350 VS.
Also, you have to make sure your opponent doesn't treasure steal, find any myriad of ways to kill your explorer before 7:30, and micro your economy. The econ part isn't a problem for Micky, I'm sure, but anyone under PR 25 should pay more attention to eco than explorer in my experience.
I'll stick with 3 vills. Only thing that can hurt that investment is good old fashioned raiding.
And don't try to compare it to an age II or III shipment, it just doesn't stack up. Heck, if you're ffing Dutch can safely skip shipping anything in age I.
The convoluted wording of legalisms grew up around the necessity to hide from ourselves the violence we intend toward each other. Between depriving a man of one hour from his life and depriving him of his life there exists only a difference of degree. You have done violence to him, consumed his energy. Elaborate euphemisms may conceal your intent to kill, but behind any use of power over another the ultimate assumption remains: "I feed on your energy."
-Frank Herbert, Dune[This message has been edited by Flying Bishop (edited 07-18-2007 @ 11:36 AM).]