http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Munchkin_( ... ing_games)
This is, of course, in reference to gaming, in particular role-playing games. However, since these "vs" debates also resemble role playing to a certain extent (i.e. you all agree to a set of rules and then let the hypothetical battle take its course), so it would seem to me that there would also be Munchkins among you guys too.Wikipedia wrote: In gaming, a Munchkin is a player who plays what is intended to be a non-competitive game (usually a role-playing game) in an aggressively competitive manner. A munchkin seeks within the context of the game to amass the greatest power, score the most "kills," and grab the most loot, no matter how deleterious their actions are to role-playing, the storyline, fairness, logic, or the other players' fun.
Some on the Hard Sci-Fi camp (such as the people on Orion's Arm) think that it is an inherent part of the "Versus" culture, particularly because of the outlandish rationalizations used by the majority of its participants, as well as their aggressive stance on their pet franchises. Personally, while I think its amusing, I don't think all members take it all that seriously. Certainly I don't, and I am well aware of the fact that most franchises being compared land squarely in the "Soft-Sci Fi" park.
What do you guys think?