(A) I am sure this has been proposed before. I am a n00b unfamiliar with this forum. I apologize for any inconvenience. I'll make it short, simple and sweet!
(B) I am talking about an "Equitable (Sin/Cos. whatever it is, I am not a geek

) Curve." The game-creator can turn on/off this Equitable Curve pro-rata scoring system. With this setting ON the winner DOES NOT take all at the end.
(C) The top 50% of the players WILL WIN points, the bottom 50% WILL LOOSE points. However, sometimes, depending on the settings, some players may neither win nor loose points.
(D) We need formulae. R3gh!? Well I humbly decline the credit for it. This is up to debate and ultimately decide by more seasoned players than I. But, for example, in a 8 players game:
i) At the end of the game each player contributes X points to a pool. This is a balancing move towards equality. X means that each player contributes (gambles) the same % (i.e. 5) of its score to a (gambling) pool ("Y").
ii) This Y, is then fractioned in 3 groups (winners/neutrals/losers):
1) + 6/10 of Y, <== They rule! (I mean, they will gain most of the points)
2) + 3/10 of Y,
3) + 1/10 of Y,
------Curve------
4) 0 of Y,
5) 0 of Y,
------Curve------
6) - 1/10 of Y,
7) - 3/10 of Y,

- 6/10 of Y. <== They suck! (I mean, they bear the brunt of the loss)
(E) RATIONALE:
i) In theory, I just don't like spending 3 weeks and then gain no points - IN FACT LOOSE POINTS - even when I was 2nd place and was the best player beaten by mistake (again, in theory).
ii) Its MORE FAIR, SPECIALLY since we retain the choice to play with it or not.
iii) It changes the dynamics of battle. You gamble a certain X for a +/- fraction of uncertain Y. But, unlike traditional games, your chances of winning AND (most importantly perhaps) NOT LOOSING will improve. It all depends how much of a fight you put up until your very end. AND even in team mode, the stakes and thus incentives, are clearer.
iv) With an equitable curve, even if I foresee I cannot win, I MUST nevertheless play for a better ranking.
v) People will think it twice before joining these games. Yet, if they want to, they may strategically choose to join these games. It makes sense,
if you play it wisely.
vi) Why? If you are highly ranked you will gamble a lot. If you are not, you won't risk much. Now, what are the chances of winning? it STILL remains the main issue!!!!!
vii) Moreover, it will be hard for women to understand, because it makes sense, so we men will have an advantage.
Let me know what you think.
And if the idea gets implemented I demand, well, I would appreciate a paid account.
Word