S_Hemlock,
Nice game synopsis. I enjoyed reading it.
One thing that is clear to me now, after reading this thread, is that the newbies and rookies today will progress much faster than I did. That is even more true for players like you, who are competitive enough and wise enough to read the forums. And, from the way you have described your game, I suspect you have read strategy guides as well.
I don't know how many others still have the original AoE strategy guides, but they certainly aren't worthy hand-me-downs. They are actually quite humurous to read. Kind of like reading "The Science of Bloodletting To Cure The Anemic", they are far outdated by experience.
I remember, with appreciation, an "expert" (if there was such a thing then) teaching me how he achieved 16-17 minute Bronze times. Obviously, this was during the game's infancy.
My point is that the newbies and rookies of today have far superior resources to improve their games in a much shorter time period than it has taken those of us who have been playing this game since it was released to get where we are today. Additionally, the qualifications for promotion from newbie to rookie probably match the intermediate players' skills of over a year ago.
Now, to address your original question as to why more experienced players play Rookie Rooms. I agree with everyone's reasons given prior to my post. That is their reasons, how can I not agree? For me, only two days I decided to move on to RoR from AoE (the obvious hacking in AoE has gotten ridiculous). But, up to that point, I played exclusively in Babylon. Actually, for the first couple of months I played in Plains, but it was always too full. So, the group that I regularly gamed with moved to Babylon because it was, at most, half full. We have stayed in Babylon ever since.
The group I play with doesn't prey on rookies and newbies though. On the contrary, we have enlisted many newbies who we liked and helped them develop their skills.
So, hopefully you can see now how my earlier point relates to your question. In truth, the rookies and newbies who aren't scared away from the Zone by lamers who prey on them, can benefit from the diversity of skill in those rooms.
Thats my 2 cents and simply another viewpoint. Take it easy on me when you become an expert. ------------------
After all, it's JustAGame