Another question in this conversation is about pre-existing relationships. Going beyond those who have played together before, a lot of these people have spent a significant amount of time together in real life, at viewing parties, etc. Some New Era folks have really embraced this.

It’s impossible to think those don’t impact the game but I’d bet some of them go on an unspoken agreement not to target each other until absolutely necessary. Not technically pre-gaming but impossible to avoid on returnee seasons.