JCHendee said:

I have not yet played the game with a graduated XP system, although that is definitely a house rule I have at the top of my list for the next time I get around to doing so.

I think the main reason we don't mind higher numbers of players is because we have almost as much fun watching each other's turns as we have taking our own.  The fact that there's little or no pressure to interact with other players directly (until the end game at least) makes it easier for us to cheer each other on and generally play "together," if you see my meaning.

Steve-O said:

My sentiments as well! We often even remind each other of overlooked options in the moment.

We also haven't yet tried the graduated system previously discussed here and elsewhere. Usually its just 2 or 3 at our table when playing RB, so haven't had a need.

So, if I were to buy one expansion which one should I get? should I go big or small?

sapender said:

Oh boy, you're going to get a lot of different answers on this one. That's one nice thing about RB; there's a little something for all different tastes.

The popular big box around my place is Sands of Al-Kalim, likely because its win criteria is notably different than the base game. But though we own the others, we haven't "thoroughly" tried them all yet.

Pfft, there is no such thing as RB and only buying a single expansion . I suppose if you make a Mind 90 check, maybe. But yeah, SoAK is pure gold.

How gold? Well, I honestly bought SoAK first (off an online seller), then set about ordering the base game . I'm a sucker for theme.

Okay, that's two votes for SoAK.  Anyone now have a favorite small box (still in print) to recommend for Sapender?

As far as small expansions go is the essentials collection worth picking up?

I would say yes, though I consider only half of it worthwhile. At the price, that's still equitable to buying three select small boxes, and maybe you'd like a different three than me.  A number of the packs in the box aren't available separately anymore.