Should the Richardson Cup be FIDE rated?

[Andrew McHarg]

I find it incredibly strange that potential hits to grade puts people off from playing Chess. Whatever happened to caring about having fun in what is - for most - a leisure activity? I guess the game is much more serious for Grandmasters who may make a living out of it, but surely it sends out the wrong message to those who aspire to be like them? I highly doubt any titled player would write in one of their books that the best way to never lose is to simply stop playing Chess and do something else with your time. Or to be fearful of opponents at certain tournaments and try to avoid these tournaments because you feel there is a statistical disadvantage to you.

Isn't the idea to make strong moves and leave the grade to settle where it ought to based on that?

Don't get it. :\