I have a couple of thoughts about this MAWPIF, some of the pitfalls it has encountered and how it could continue on as a fun and interesting event. These are my opinions and unless I name you, I'm talking in generalities and not about any one person or people.
I took care of someone I can respect and wouldn't mind helping out, and asked for things that only a certain fraction of the membership could provide. Frankly, I was thinking of Mike when I asked for them. Not right not wrong, but I have built relationships with people on this board that might have those things, and more to the point might give them to me. We all "think" Moki has maduro Opies, but realistically, how many of us think he would give them to us. I would bet the people that answered that he would, call him Andrew, and know his wife's name, his dog's name and maybe even his favorite color.
It seems to me that many people are looking at the thread as a way to realize their pipe dreams. I think if it was simply played as a chance to get that cigar you have heard great things about but can't find locally, or as a single, it would work out fine. There are people like Grateful1 that can ask for a 858 Rosado, and based on their connections and friendships get one. But the guy that has been here for a couple three months and has done nothing or very little to create relationships just looks like a mooch asking for the same thing. It’s that fine line between what you want, and what you've earned. If it's crossed too many times it will cause the downfall of this.
If after reading the last paragraph, you hear yourself saying, "But some guy with only a few months asked for an OR Opus and got it." You might want to go back and take a look at what Greg has been doing here for the last couple of months. Besides, Brian is a generous guy, but even he isn't going to give his prize cigars to any old Moe that asks. Both of those guys should be feeling pretty good about what their actions said about them.
I don't have any of the cigars that Gary is looking for. That being said, I don't mind waiting a day or two for somebody to decide they want to see Gary weep, or for him to lower his wishes back to the level of the common man. From what I've seen of Gary, it wouldn't surprise me to see him revise his wish to something that 90% of the member base could fulfill.
Sorry for the Wilkey like post