Board Thread:Wiki - General Discussion/@comment-3225604-20170818103935

I'm actually shocked to know "variable" actually has 8 mean points. In my opinion, I don't think it should get 8 mean points. I will be listing reasons why "variable" should not receive any mean points.

First, "variable" is a difficulty that varies from person to person. This means one can find the level very easy, while one can also find the level very hard. In fact, according to Oxford dictionary, variable means "not consistent or having a fixed pattern; liable to change". Since the difficulty is "not having a fixed pattern", a value should not be assumed. It also means that it is difficult to find a consensus for a difficulty of the level, hence no mean points should be applied to the level.

Second, "variable" is a difficulty that is a result of the inability of assigning a difficulty level to the level. In fact, in mathematics variable means "(of a quantity) able to assume different numerical values." (according to Oxford dictionary). This means "variable" cannot take the value "8" alone and can take any other values. Some levels may receive difficulty in assigning a difficulty level. For example, Level 2112 is variable with comments suggesting from medium to extremely hard. It cannot be assumed "extremely hard" because others do find the level in other difficulty. In my other thread, I suggest "variable" to be automated if the standard deviation is 3 or above. This means it is normal to find the level in a scope of 6 difficulty levels. This further adds to the fact that we have difficulty in determining the difficulty rating of the level and also the difficulty is pretty fluid and liable to change.

Third, "variable" is a product of complete randomness. Since it is completely random, some people may have that lucky board. In fact, the lucky board comes with no fixed probability. There has been a great argument on whether level 463 is variable or not because of the mystery bags. What you get from mystery bags is completely random. Level 645 also gives you a 1/7 probability of the ingredient spawning in that particular column. However, it is not entirely impossible to move the ingredient to that particular lane, nor is it entirely a 1/7 probability that the ingredient will spawn on that lane. It is also not guaranteed that you can pass the level when the ingredient is on that lane. As a result, the randomness proves it difficult to assign a difficulty rating to the level, let alone assuming it to be "extremely hard".

The difference between "variable" and "extremely hard" is that "variable" represents an unknown probability, or luck-based. If it is assumed "variable" is "extremely hard", then why are not all "variable" levels "extremely hard"? Because you cannot decide the difficulty rating of "variable". I think it is ridiculous to assume a value for "variable" because it indeed has no fixed value. Level 976 is variable due to entire luck. Comments mostly suggest a rating below medium but not extremely hard. It further exemplifies that "variable" cannot be "extremely hard".

In case "variable" should not receive any mean points, it should also not have 0 mean points too. Therefore, in an episode (15 levels default) containing a variable level, the summation of points will be divided by 14 instead of 15. 