I also forgot to mention, now any of you wot-ers can take this back there to improve your game in randoms.
It helps if you Install XVM and keep an extra eye out for players around 100-800 efficiency, or sub 48% win rate (under 48 it's not so bad until you hit <45, and then you're encroaching on the "actively contributing to losses" area), and >1000 battles. these are players you can trust to make the wrong decisions. ( if you feel that I've just insulted you, then congratulations, You've just become aware that you have a problem and all you have to do is subdue your ego to get on the path of enlightenment

)
Conversely, 800 to 1100 is the level where you can regularly start to have conversations, but not expect them to be the best at killing things, unless of course they are in an artillery, and at minimum have a win rate in the upper 40's to low 50's. These are the people you should address with "hey tanker, I really need you to hold this spot so they cant flank us" or "hey tanker, come help me out and we can muscle them". just acknowledge that as a request, there is a fair chance you wont get what you want. don't get mad and berate them because it just makes things worse.
anything above 1000 usually has enough situational awareness and metagame understanding to know what you're getting at just by conveying information
But on to the main topic, You may think that "I cant play with these idiots" or "I cant trust these baddies", but this is incorrect.
a bad player is with an exception of sheer luck, going to do stupid idiotic things every time, whether it be "sniping" with nothing to shoot at, or charging head first into the enemy. you can take advantage of people like this by just reading the early warning signs of where they are and how they are driving (which was very effective pre xvm, and still serves as the best method). When the suicidal ***** is getting shot at. you have a free moment- now mind the artillery- a free moment to take advantage of the situation. they wont be shooting you right? so why not shoot at them. Keep in mind as soon as the aggressive ***** dies you will most likely be the next target. have cover prepared. and what about campers? they refuse to move no matter the request right? so if you really want them to help, you must smartly bait the enemy to you. these campers usually grow a pair after they get a few shots off, especially if they recognize that you will serve as a good distraction. but remember, you must use his gun to your advantage and refrain from getting into a bad situation where he cannot help.
There are other types of idiots of course, but you can spot their habits with simple observation. and remember, never yell at them. ever. It's counter productive in all instances. most of them have fragile egos, and the rest are old guys spending some free time, and insulting elders is bad karma.
of course, if the ***** is in a tier 10 and you are not, and he dies in the first minute then congratulations. due to the massive confidence boost he gave the enemy team, theres a good chance the match will be over in 5. but if you see a chance to turn it around, don't waste your tank

. Ultimately world of tanks is a dps race (see: numbers game), so if your gun is not in the fight then you're hurting your team.
I could write a book on this stuff but my fingers are cold and tired, so enjoy
Edited by Battlecruiser, 13 July 2012 - 01:07 AM.