On target dave … the bonus for winning short term is the next win gets harder , the challange level goes up … unlocking troops means some start locked , this is a hybrid aprotch I have muled over but have not tried yet, I would try the handicap first, then feel out the group’s thoughts on it before adding elements of other styles …

With the basic handicap system one reward can be a simple leader board showing the 5 (or more) lowest scores … or their is a big post game bash, the scores can be reversed giving the winning players more points in the big final scrum … or if you end with a tournament then low score gets best seat in a double elimination sport style event … lowest in the top bracket, 2nd lowest in bottom bracket , 3rd lowest in 2nd from bottom bracket, 4th in 2nd from top bracket … the score system also helps game organizers balance teams knowing participants relative score for mid campaign events or side games…

Plus if some players play more often than others their score will not get way out of wack… especially if any 2 players can only effect each other’s score once every other week / or max once a week in smaller groups.

This is aimed at a casual campaign for a gaming group that can cover a range of era and play style , it will balance out in points over time … victory rewards and pins on a map are great elements in a more focused and detailed campaign and are great fun to play, but is more for a solid group of dedicated players that can comit to the x number of games and see it through … hard for the casual player or the pick up game player or even the drifting though town player (who might see the score system as a great way to gauge skill and offer a game to players in a relative level even if a straight points game) .