@sqrtminusone@emacs.ch if there is a large-ish population that is "top" relative to the number of slots above some rung in the hierarchy, then (number-of-top-cheaters * (1 - chance-to-get-caught)) would dominate above some given height regardless. the two strategies aren't mutually exclusive. however good ones meritocratic skill is, as long as there are others of similar skill, the winners of the tournament will be unusually lucky and/or seek (and however luckily win) other advantages.