Reminds me a lot of Vincent’s discussion sort of on the same thing. https://plus.google.com/+VincentBaker/posts/CGr9NCnRXyT.

I think Firebrands is an example of that talk in action. Having played FIrebrands, there is some procedural flirting, which is sort of the opposite of social ‘combat’. I’m not sure the game encourages collaboration from procedure though. In in the player’s interest to bring their A game and try to build a story together. That imperative doesn’t come from the game text as much as self interest.

For me I like social rules as terms of engagement. I see them more as defensive though. Protecting me from people who shout to get the things they want. Following rules I’m more happy to tap out or give ground. We use these terms so fiction doesn’t get stuck in an argument. But a better way might be to just play with nicer people.