Mark_Aurel, a lot of what you've said about strats is correct, but I'm not sure you're right about the Set strats flowing down the ratings.
Most of the strats that you mentioned were doable by lower levels, if not as well. I just think using Set properly may be more difficult. Easy enough for a high level player, but at the lower levels beatable.
I base this on the few Set games I've played using random civs. Of course I mostly suck, but I've been able to play most other strats to some degree. I find Set goofy to use and very micro-intensive, which is where many rooks have problems. Also, I haven't lost many games to Set players at my level, and I've lost plenty of games. Maybe if I played Set some more I'd get a better feel for him.
Actually, I just wanted reply 'cause nimrod called me an idiot. I'm officially not an idiot, no matter my rating, and I can play the game, just not at a high level. Wanted to flame but refrained