This was my suggestion to W3C on the subject of protecting assets. If you think it over and still believe it sucks, I'm open to hearing it.
Hello,
If you are really looking for ways to "protect" someone's assets and let war continue to be a part of the game consider this:
Automatically place the three lowest rank countries in a persons empire in secured mode. Three was not chosen as an arbritary number, just like most countries do not "take off" until 30 million in pop, most empires do not have the "moxy" to develop or even fight until they have at least 3 countries available to do so.
Personally I consider 5 countries able to fight as a minimum, but that is personal opinion.
And why pick the lowest ranked countries?
Because, if someone wishes to build an empire those are the countries least likely to be able to defend themselves. If someone doesn't want his top ranked country available to declare on they can either drop down to 3 or pay for war protection.
Additionally by working it like this, you make people choose when a country is at risk. If they don't wish to risk any then fine, stay with 3 countries. If they want to develop economic powerhouses they can either stay at 3 countries or spend money for WP.
One of the biggest problems with this game right now are the people who fight risking only junk countries they slammed together in 5 days to take on a giant. THIS is the most objectionable part of simcountry today, players using countries little better than a C3 to take down a 60 million plus country.
This would give a player 3 countries a player could develop without "fear" (since people obviously fear this) someone is going to come along and take them away. You cannot wipe out a player with 3 countries nobody can touch.
If I have to say it, these three countries should only be able to declare on computer controlled countries and participate in war against a player in fed defense mode only.
Sincerely
Yankee