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I think the opposite is true the majority of the time. The #1 player at the time could very well just be the biggest point whore.
Contrary to what you said, in my opinion, even "pointwhoring" to reach #1 in a world (especially considering he was #1 when the world was slightly competitive) does take commitment to reaching said rank. All be it commitment to yourself and not necessarily to your tribe, but there is no denying the simple fact that it is to a tribes benefit that this player has gained so many villages, it is beneficial in terms of troops within the tribe aswell as morale within the tribe. If people see they have the #1 player in the world confidence in your ability as a tribe is always going to be better than if you dont have the #1 player (conciously or sub-conciously), not to mention people are more willing to join your tribe if you appear to have the best player in the world be in your tribe (conciously or sub-conciously).
So yes though you say "The #1 player at the time could very well just be the biggest point whore" (which is a good point dont get me wrong im not just dissing your point) that pointwhore #1 player is more than likely having a positive effect on your tribe whether you like pointwhores or not :icon_wink:
Also for any hater out there =P im not so blind as to say having the #1 player (pointwhore or not) is
always beneficial. You have to take into consideration that this player could just be a 100% barb nobler and so lowers the rep of your tribe by keeping him/her (no need to be sexist.../me slaps himself). It could also happen that a world hated external forums poster is the #1 player and hence by having him it will only lower your tribe's rep.
All this being said however I still stick by myself picking him simply because he was #1 in the world at the time as the majority of the time he/she will be beneficial to your dream team :icon_smile:
Before I press "Submit Reply" I already have a feeling this si gonna be a kinda long post, so I'm sorry if it is :icon_eek: