The question of UNM Trades is a difficult one. It seems the crux of the matter is...should they be allowed or not? Several very valid points have been made by some other managers here Mike. The system is flawed but I think UNM trades are necessary in SOME leagues. I too have scratched my head thinking why certain trades were allowed, especially those involving major talent. As I am sure you realize, it is easier for some of the "powerhouse" teams to make UNM trades than it is for the "average" teams to make comparable offers. I believe some managers are taking advantage of UNM trades in a way that was not intended. So what's the solution?

FIRST - Mike needs to remain in control of UNM trades and talk of "rule by committees" is just too cumbersome.

SECOND - Limit UNM trades to only "good players" (perhaps a certain PB value) and have no superstar or megadeal trades.

THIRD - DO NOT allow UNM trades in leagues with 4 or less UNM teams. That means there are at least 15 other managers available to try to work out deals with and that should be plenty.

I think these changes will relieve some of the burden on Mike, especially as more managers come into the game and when other aspects of this game right now (such as PB development) also require Mike' attention. It will eliminate some of the bitterness that seems to be out there over "why him and not me" or "I would have done that if only I knew." It will force the active managers to work more cooperatively with each other to hammer out trades. Just as Mike may have fallen victim to some of the tendencies expressed in posts by other managers on this issue, so too perhaps have many of us.

In summary, let's keep UNM trades as an option of last resort (and a necessary one in leagues with high vacancies) and let's work with each other to make managed trades much more pleasurable, exciting and successful!