Reading various threads on ADV has convinced me to attempt the 0 ADV strategy (I'm down to 2 now, so will finally make it next season). The drawback, of course, is that you can't get reliable projections with 0 ADV.

Here is what I don't understand. Do your projections on draft picks and internaional signings rely on ADV? Example: you spend 20 on each of HS, COL, and INT scouting, and 0 on ADV. Will the projected ratings for draft picks/internationals be crummy, due to the ADV of 0, or will they be reliable, due to the 20 in the other scouting categories?

The help files read, "The advance scouts are responsible for projecting the ratings of all signed players within the franchise and on other franchises." Since draftees and internationals aren't signed players prior to the draft or int.signing, will a 20 in HS/COL/INT overcome a 0 ADV (assuming you keep track of those initial projections)?

First question:  Reliable
Second question:   Yes

When I first started running 0 advanced I had like 16M college and 16M international and I would record the projections of all relevant players in a spreadsheet. It was pretty accurate for guys who had decent coaches and didn't get hurt. In fact, it actually seemed more accurate than any advanced projections outside of maybe the player's first year. Advanced tends to get pretty screwy after a guy has been in the league for a couple of years.

But now I don't bother with that any more either. I go for more of the "blind guess" strategy.

Thanks to all. And I'll work on those wordy questions :-).