But in a game, it may be true that A+B=x+y, but if A>>x or B>>y, then x+y has a lower perceived cost (in-game), so that will be the chosen path by many rational players, will it not? Each choice has a value of 10, true, but to get to 10, first you have to get 9 vs getting 3, or to get 7 vs, getting 1.Which is easier? Time and material costs matter, so the end results nay be the same, but the paths to them are not equivalent, nor are they equal. Are they balanced? No, in one sense, and yes, in another. You're looking at the aggregate equations, like fluid dynamics or thermodynamics, but in either one, the path taken by the individual matters. And in the case of an intelligent agent, it will see costs differently for each path, even though the aggregate cost of each may be the same. I'm not explaining this very well, but I hope you understand the idea.