Quote Originally Posted by Dubanka View Post
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Perma death would make everything worse...simply because they greater the stakes, the more you ensure you win.
I disagree. The higher the stakes, the less some one is swayed to do something stupid. There's nothing wrong with ensuring you'll win before attacking. Or not fighting if you might lose.

"If your enemy is secure at all points, be prepared for him. If he is in superior strength, evade him. If your opponent is temperamental, seek to irritate him. Pretend to be weak, that he may grow arrogant. If he is taking his ease, give him no rest. If his forces are united, separate them. If sovereign and subject are in accord, put division between them. Attack him where he is unprepared, appear where you are not expected."
 - Sun Tzu,

The key is now rallying an army willing to risk their character for your ideals. This is the entire reason we have order in life, fear. Whether it be fear of death or just fear of the consequences of ones action, this is what keeps mankind in line for the most part.