When I was a kid, there was a TV commercial for Kinder chocolate eggs where a child asked his dad, as he was leaving the house, if he could get a present when he returned.
The light-rules con you pointed out was this: “… the GM is happy because the rules are easy, but at the same time, they'll be unhappy because they have to manage all the countless situations that the light rules don’t cover… “
For me, handling those situations improve-style feels way easier (and natural) to me. In fact, if I’m leading a crunchy game, and I can’t bring the rule to mind, I usually improve, as well (with a promise to look up the rule for next time).
But… as you say, which style is better seems to be all about opinion and situation.
A great post and well-said!
The light-rules con you pointed out was this: “… the GM is happy because the rules are easy, but at the same time, they'll be unhappy because they have to manage all the countless situations that the light rules don’t cover… “
For me, handling those situations improve-style feels way easier (and natural) to me. In fact, if I’m leading a crunchy game, and I can’t bring the rule to mind, I usually improve, as well (with a promise to look up the rule for next time).
But… as you say, which style is better seems to be all about opinion and situation.
Absolutely! I am not a fan of light rpgs however i find that a one-shot made with mork borg would be the best option for a single session.
May the fun be always at your table!