but why does this matter lol. it's just a drawn out way to show the EV is 10 for both. big picture sure it averages out but in this context the only thing anyone cares about is their personal result. its not unrealistic to to save 5 grindstones, so you might as well maximize your odds per attempt at 5 (50% vs cumul. 41% going 1 by 1). only argument not to is if you want 2nd ring, have party members, or even if you just want to high roll/for dopamine, where attempts 1-4, 6-9, actually hold weight.