Post originally by Doug Orleans at 2004-02-18 13:15:37
Converted from Phorums BB System

Well, I don't agree that the game is about "outright uncertainty of the exchange". Many (most?) trades are 100% certain, e.g. one Greek for one Roman. I think the game is (primarily) about information flow, and limited communication channels, but that doesn't mean that communication should necessarily always be as restricted as possible (which would lead to your conclusion about simultaneous swap being the only logical rule interpretation).

As for Reiner's address, it is not public as far as I can tell, and anyway I believe it's better to communicate with the game's publisher instead of going directly to the designer. For one thing, publishers often go through their own development process after they receive the game from the designer, so they may add or change rules. They are also the main public face for the game, and I think they should be the first authority on rules interpretations; of course, they are free to defer to the designer if they choose.

I have submitted the question to Avalanche Press via their website. I'll post the answer here (and to Boardgamegeek.com).