by bandit_boy7
For the record, I'm not saying your variant wouldn't be fun.I'm not saying that testing it out would somehow cause it to break down.
I see the "problem" you are trying to address.
I'm just saying, I don't see it as a rules problem that needs to be changed. Nor do I see it as a breakdown in thematic continuity. For me, it fits and it plays as is--not because I'm a purist (otherwise, why would I be on the Variants forums?)--but because I'd rather try to adapt my playing style (in general) than my rule set when faced with a seemingly unbeatable strategy.
As always, I know & you know variants are optional. So thanks to you for sharing and for expounding on your own testing of this variant. Maybe at some point I'll give this a try, just for variety's sake.