[Dragaera] not really a spoiler, i don't think...

[andy]

here is a bit of the list's old fashioned pararectal reasoning again I 
wanted to toss up at all the big brains out there, specially since I don't 
think I've contributed anything in a few years other than some good, solid 
fingerpointing at my computer screen....

to what extent is the cycle cushioning and protecting Vlad right now?  With 
the jhereg at the bottom, would this not only affect the perceived power of 
the house (and the real, I suppose),  but also their actual effectiveness? 
such as would profit margins on their games go down as their place in the 
cycle receded? more prone to making decisions as a house and potentially on 
an individual basis, that just simply aren't as effective?  To what degree 
would the Cycle itself affect the ability of 'normal' members of house 
jhereg to make the correct decisions on when and where to place a shereba 
game?  More botched assassinations due to little twists of fate like 
tripping over the cute little kitten as you step up to finalize someone?

andy