ok, here is my opinion: without crystals is good because you avoid to hunt them and hit & run. You must play until the end. It's bad because : using a wasp or hornet is useless. The speed of this hull is not an advantage when only the killing counts (only when you must escape short range weapons) . In this type of game you must use strong hulls viking or better. Second is bad because you advance in ranks too fast. Sometimes is better to avoid killings and collect crystals to build some M alternative weapons. Without crystals also drugging rules. I prefer crystal drops but unmarked and random locations. Different values is a good idea. You may consider some bonus for a high survival rate as a multiplier for the D/L . ex . you have 10 killing , and you were killed only 2 times you may offer 5% (or more) crystals at the end of the game. ;)