[RavennaAl]

Dimitri, here is my perspective on TTC vs. rookie bases. Generally speaking, TTC's are better for strength and rookies are better for speed. Keep in mind that TTC's weigh more than rookies, too, which probably accounts for their better strength. If you want to compete in tournaments against other people, you will want to have TTC's on your line. If you are playing solitaire, or in your case against others who have limited knowledge of the game, then you could use all rookie bases and play just as well.

I use all rookies on my teams, with the exception of one team which has some TTC's on it. My teams are all pretty much competitive with each other and the game play is just as good as anyone elses. TTC's are ok, but as you already stated, it is easy to accidentally move the dial and mess up a play. Since you will most likely never play against most of us over here, you could use nothing but rookie bases and have just as much fun, perhaps even more fun because you won't have bases turning the wrong way from the dials being turned.

Also, since you are isolated from us over here, you could play with minimal tweaking for strength and have your teams on equal footing. This will make it more fun for your friends who don't know how to tweak because they will be able to play with some equality to you. If your team is a lot stronger than your friends, they may become discouraged and not want to play. Something to keep in mind...