Lois’s answer to “That's fascinating--thanks for answering! So does Barrayaran imperial succession follows similar lo…” > Likes and Comments

I once asked a military expert on the American Revolution what was it that made the English give up, and although I don't remember the answer in detail, it resonated with Aral in Shards at Escobar -- one consequential action following another until the favorability balance was overwhelmed, perhaps with a subliminal click. Teaching recognition of this status must be (should be?) a major goal of military education. However, when stubborn individuals fight on regardless, or are too stupid to recognize the futility, what then? Predictability lapses, and it gets interesting.