Board Game Arena

You are ofc right about the toxicity. It should be discussed and be agreed upon how the game is played. I am just saying that it's not a bad rule and OP could have more fun if he plays by said rule.

Well, you could just honor the rule (it does make sense btw., robber is too strong in early game) and you would have fun playing again. That's what i love about Catan, it's not only a game, it's also about human nature and being nice to each other actually helps you win sometimes.