The problem with boats + Merchants

[Erdbeertorte]

The problem is that he placed 2 settlements next to grass. So he canot move away when he get grass at his 3rd pick. OK, it's seductive to connect the castle. But at the beginning, getting tiles is much more important than getting points

[Godsmurf]

Noone addresses the fact that in a 3 or 4 player game, you could be out of the game before your first turn if other players already took the two boats. This is a ridiculous situation. Even if it takes several turns, whichever 2 players (or only one) who luck out on getting the boats are playing for the win and the other player(s) are just spectators without a chance. It's ridiculous.

[Meeplelowda]

Noone addresses the fact that in a 3 or 4 player game, you could be out of the game before your first turn if other players already took the two boats. This is a ridiculous situation.

By no one, you mean Kavorka?

I could see this being more of an issue in a non arena 3-4p game, where harbor it could be completely blocked before even having a turn.