Exactly Kristinpixie!, Farmer gets Cheap shield for a few trophies and has loot protection for up to 12 hrs.
Trophy hunter gets cheap trophies AND league win bonus.. (with as little as 3 or so Archers.)
that is the system. its works like a charm. no unfairness as anyone seeking a shield can utilize the strategy, and it does not offer any unfair advantages to either party. its about as fair as it gets.
Trophy pushers want achievement gems typically, or loot bonus for wins. this is a good system to get them there pretty quickly. then they can drop back into a more appropriate range to farm. The people who belong in the higher ranges will treat the weak and underdeveloped as such, and crush them accordingly IME. (well when they come across my search cue and the trophs look easy enough..heh)
"Shielding Strategy" is needed:
1. to maintain trophy range.
2. protect resource while one sleeps at night, or is on working hours, family time or w/e...
Farmers only care about trophy range to farm in.. and typically can get into what ever range they need to get into anyhow..
it cracks me up how many people get bent outta shape over this strategy.

