Stats and ratings are affected by many different things, such as gameshape, mins, strength of opponent, and RNG. It’s correlated with skill level, but not directly.
Salary is an easily digestible indicator on skill. Eliminate this, and now you require managers to scout not only previous games, but also the strength of their opponent and estimate their possible gameshape during those matches. This will only serve to make the learning curve for newer managers much much steeper. I’d rather not have an hour of scouting for each match. Also keep in mind that TV contracts are determined by overall league salary, so in a way each team is required to report the teams salary.
Age, salary, and gameshape should be visible for all managers. Hiding ticket prices (not attendance) I can concede could have a positive impact.
This should also not be optional, as that creates a competitive advantage. Either make it the case for everyone or no one.
Let’s take a step back and look at this again. I hear the points about salary being an easy shortcut and how hiding it might make scouting take a bit more work, but I respectfully disagree. I still strongly believe we should fog out and hide that team player information.
Yes, stats and ratings fluctuate due to gameshape, minutes, opponent strength, and RNG, and salary has traditionally been a quick indicator. But relying on a simple salary number to judge an opponent removes a huge layer of tactical depth. Hiding that information doesn't ruin the game—it actually forces all managers to do real scouting, analyze past matchups, and truly understand their opponents instead of just looking at a single price tag or game shape DMI.. That rewards deep strategy and makes managing much more engaging and for new managers alike
And regarding TV contracts, we can easily find alternative ways to calculate league revenue or report totals without needing every individual player's salary blasted out in the open.
I’m completely for fogging out age, salary, and gameshape trainers, for other managers. Let's make management a meaningful part of the game again.
New managers need to learn the game is not easy to start, steep learning curve is not a bad thing. It soothe over time. I think paid feature optional.. cut it on and off, it s great for the cup. B3 and other tourney’s.. People will actually watch games., engage in the forums for philosophical understanding of ratings ,make the Nt coach more valuable.