This originated from the thread next-door...
viewtopic.php?f=21&t=2604Diplomacy being Diplomacy, elites constantly playing with and against each other would get really, really boring (much like vampires playing baseball). They'd know each others strengths and weaknesses. The game would almost become too predictable for everybody. Or a game full of elites may be the first septuple to last beyond 1902.
Playing with novices and intermediates adds in the element of mystery, suspense, and overall fun.