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I'm not pretending that this doesn't happen - I'm sure it does. But within the very limited scope of my experience, the vast majority of teams have to take a season off (in some cases, more) if they want to be successful continually. Yes, there are some that are so successful that it feeds itself. I'd also guess that this could be even more likely within very small nations.

I'm not pretending to have all the answers... or even any. I just don't see it as the whole *sky-is-falling* issue some appear to believe it is.

wolph? That's a personal attack. Incorrect as well. There was no self-aggrandizement there, at all. You only choose to see it that way because, well... that's your MO. You have a tendency to play the man, rather than the ball when someone disagrees with you.

But to address your... erm... *points*:

Where to start?
Well, stating that "by-and-large everyone has quit" is a bit incongruous, as "everyone" is an absolute - and "by-and-large" isn't. To wit, you're still here. Actually, scrolling back - going back 10 seasons, there are only two past winners of the JBBL that have quit (Kawaguchi/Stunners). Every other player that's won is still playing.
"5 times"? So... over the years, Japan's had more than 50 "active, competitive users"? Umm...

Here's a reality: by and large, lots of past winners of every nation have quit. The thing is, with browser-based games like this, they have a shelf-life. They're not for everyone, and they're certainly not created with the intention of retaining every single person that plays. Every BB nation has a degree of resignations, it's not something particular to Japan... nor is it particular to BB. But new players come in - the key is how to keep THOSE ones here.

"Hate"? That's a strong word, one I very much doubt is at all accurate. If they *hated* it, they wouldn't be here. Even if they felt strongly about it - where are they? I'm prepared to say that I only speak for me in that "I don't see it as the problem you do."

Additionally, don't do the "malice thinks this... malice likes this" BS, 'k? It's (still) old. As stated before: I would prefer to be playing in a larger nation, but I'm where I am, and I'm fine with that. Pardon me for contentment. The BBs aren't catering to anyone on this - just because their opinion is a) unknown and b) doesn't appear to fall in line with yours doesn't make them wrong/foolish/evil.

Reiterating: yes, I know wolph: we have a history. Doesn't give you the privilege of derision.

I'm trying to follow this conversation, and one thing escapes me so far. What's to prevent retooling bit by bit season after season, and remaining competitive?

What we have had is tanking for several seasons. At ~4 mill that works out to ~20 mil after 5 years which allows you to buy a young team of superstars. That is hard to compete with by incremental improvement. This (probably) doesn't arise in larger nations because of relegation.

I'm trying to follow this conversation, and one thing escapes me so far. What's to prevent retooling bit by bit season after season, and remaining competitive?

What we have had is tanking for several seasons. At ~4 mill that works out to ~20 mil after 5 years which allows you to buy a young team of superstars. That is hard to compete with by incremental improvement. This (probably) doesn't arise in larger nations because of relegation.

Fair enough Jay... I hear you. But is the issue (for you) the nation size... or the tanking (and yes, I realize that in a larger nation it's unlikely to happen to that degree - as Jay pointed out)?

The issue for me is that it is impossible (or at least very difficult) to compete without tanking for multiple seasons, which I don't have the patience for.So you are right, it's the tanking that is the issue.

I actually have come close till I had a financial crisis and I hope to do so again but I'm up against an inescapable truth - $4 mil players are better than 200k players.

Again, more than a little unfair in your depiction, wolph. You misrepresent me, and what I've said on several occasions - and really don't address it when pointed out.
C'est la vie.

A few things tho'...
I never said "that the majority of Japan users and winners have not quit". I did state that of those that have won the title in the last 10 seasons, only two have quit (you might want to check, but I'm pretty sure that you're still here). Nor did I say "that the majority of large nation winners have quit as well". What was said

lots of past winners of every nation have quit.

I'd guess it's true. Again... "lots" is an extremely subjective term.
Repeatedly, I have stated that I don't pretend to either have the answers or represent a large swathe of users. You do, on both counts.
Wolph, you neither present viable solutions to this issue, nor do you represent Nippon... or users from within other small nations. You represent you. I've put forward no absolutes, and whilst critical of your point of view I have managed to not be critical of you. All I've offered is a point of view from another Nippon user that differs to yours, that may be interesting for other people involved in this conversation.

The managers you named: they quit after many, many seasons of playing. I pose this question - if the situation is so untenable, why did they stay (and in some cases come back repeatedly) for so long?

Would BB Nippon be stronger if they'd stayed? Of course! But again... this is probably (again) true of every nation.
That said, they've gone, others step up. Most of those you've named were done 'n dusted before I (admittedly still being a relatively newcomer to BB) arrived.
You're right - strong teams have gone. But now there are others that have stepped up - Isehara is a perennial winner. Toranaga is a team that has enjoyed success for a very long time. YC's still here, and always a threat to take one/both of the double. The Buckeyes have stepped up. And there are others in the JBBL that always have to be taken seriously and prepared for. Again... I'd guess this is true for most nations (people leave, others step up).

Look, I am absolutely not saying all's well... but is the sky falling? I don't see it that way.