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Originally Posted by Mitch
Like I said, I won't if were doing play-game leagues. Guess we'll have to wait until it gets closer to the release date.
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I'm not sure if it's in the best interest to split leagues or not. EA has made this game mode appeal to all type of gamers allowing to participate in this league in anyway you want to. If you're going to play games against CPU teams, you can. Obviously the skill level will be at a high level (All-Star or Hall of Fame) so it isn't such a cakewalk for those really good at the game. You can challenge your opponent head to head if you wish, by controlling the players or coaching the AI. Or you can skip out on challenging the opponent and let them take on your team with pre-set strategies in place.
The team rosters should be fairly balanced initially since we're most likely going to randomize rosters. So chances are that you won't ever have your AI or your team take on a roster that is much more superior than your own.
I don't want there to be the case that a league(s) isn't getting enough action because there are not enough active users in each one. Splitting them can create this problem since there would be less head-on human interaction. Quite frankly if you want to be in a sim league you're practically still getting the same experience since games will go on without you playing them. You don't have to play the games, but I feel there should be some incentives to the guys that do play games when they get the chance, since they're taking time to play a game out fully; and taking the opportunity to dictate the result of the game themselves rather than through simulation.
I think this may work best if it's a big league and people participate in anyway they want to. At least this way it will feel more alive and give the league better life so it'll be successful. Those concerned about the skill level disparity can avoid on ice head-to-head games when they feel outmatched, and put their faith in the AI. The skill level of the AI should hopefully make it a challenging experience still for those of us that do play the games so it isn't a guaranteed win every time. This is why EA has given this game mode all these options; they want to prevent alienation for any type of gamer.
EDIT: Also concern about players playing too 'cheesy' and relying on exploits can be addressed if it becomes an issue that needs to be dealt with. I hold faith however that we all have good sportsmanship here so this doesn't become the case.