Well, how about that?  I'm nicer than someone.   I appreciate the fact that he told me that he couldn't play after confirming that he'd be back.  Things change.   He could have left me hanging and simply not returned.  So I'd very much like to give him his team back.   But I don't care to say "This is your team" to a new owner and then yank the rug out from under him.  He, too, may have made plans.

I guess it sorta depends where you are in the season/off-season. If all a guy has done is choose a team he wants to have 2 weeks from now, I'm sure he'll get over it. If other owners have been transferred teams, there's too much to be undone.

As silly as it sounds, it would really come down to whether I buy the story or not. Some people come up with things that just come off as true, because of the level of detail, or whatever. When someone communicates with 5-word sitemails, there's not much to work with, and it doesn't seem like someone who cares.

I'll admit that I was picturing the 5-word sitemail-type of exchange when I wrote that. If there's a legit story, I'm much more inclined to be agreeable. If (as far as I can tell or have been made aware) it is just a guy changing his mind, I'm less inclined to be swayed.

Or maybe it's as simple as track record.

If it's a good owner who hit a rough patch (and was communicative about it), that's one thing.

If you'd rather have the new owner in your world, that's another.

The problem I have with telling the "new" guy "Sorry, he wanted his team back" is that I have no idea what he's done in preparation.  Maybe he's poured over every player in his division in great detail in hopes of turning the team around.  Maybe he's turned down another desirable world to join mine.  Maybe he's just posted "I'll be interested."   I don't know.

Compare it to looking at house, making an offer that's accepted and then losing it because someone made a better offer while you were on your way to sign the papers.   Maybe it was your dream house and now you're heartbroken.   Maybe you passed on the next best thing.  Or maybe you go "Meh.  There are thousands of houses on the market."

I don't think there's an easy answer.

You have to do what's best for the world, and that's getting the best owners you can.

Gotta break a few eggs to make an omlette, and such 'n such....

mmmmm. Omlette.

Why don't you just ask the new guy what he thinks/wants?  You may be making an issue where there is none.  Maybe he's willing to switch...

Switch to what exactly?    Aren't worlds limited to 32 teams?

You're in a world I commish.  Do you recall, in 15 rollovers, me dicking around while looking for another owner?

I've made the decision.  Made it before this thread was started.  I just wanted to see what the rest of the HBD world thinks. 

Mike has been reading too many "I'm OK, you're OK" type books rather than "The Art of War"

Please see previous post, retodd.

Consensus is for democracies.  HBD worlds should be benevolent dictatorships.

What part of "I've made the decision" makes you think I'm working within a democracy?