User blog comment:B214/Volume 23 discussion blog/@comment-139.190.27.252-20170321092843/@comment-31137559-20170321170446

Like B214 said, Rating Games aren't just tests of strength, but they are used to rate teams. That includes certain strategies and tactics. That includes exploiting weaknesses. Like Sona using garlic in her Rating Game against Rias to take out Gasper. Or Issei using a cross and holy water and boosting them to defeat Riser. Or Issei using Samael's blood to defeat Cao Cao. Not everyone can win in a direct battle. Rating Games are not meant to be fair. Issei's team and Rias' team are stronger than the majority of the teams. Issei and Rias have healers on their team while most people don't and Phenex Tears are not allowed to be used. There are Rating Games that are going to be advantageous and disadvantageous to them. No need to get hurt and reconcile yourself just because Issei would have won in a straight-out fight. You're showing bias towards Issei and you're completing ignoring the true nature of Rating Games.

Like you have seen a few times, strong teams can be backed into a corner and have countermeasures used against them. A Rating Game is kind of like a battlefield. One side might not be as well-trained or have the numbers of the opposing side. One side might not have the advantage in terrain and one might know the land better.

Rating Games use different situations and different styles to judge various team. How those teams can work being at a disadvantage, how those teams react to different situations, etc.

No one is hating on Issei. I love Issei. But it wasn't a trick. That was a good and sound strategy. If you want to get mad at anyone, get mad at Issei for falling for it and not covering up his weakness.