I thought about attaching this to the other computer thread, but this is a little different. Is it ok to play with computers if both players agree to it in advance? I mean on RHP. On the surface, there's nothing unethical about it. At the same time it makes me a little queasy when someone offers this. I'm thinking: If this guy gets used to using analysis, he's likely to continue in the same mode with other players, without their knowledge. Or maybe there should be a separate section for these people a la ICC, where they do have a computer section.
1) Most definitely not ok.
2) What's the point ... see who's got the fastest processor?
3) What's the point part 2 ... wouldn't running your computers against each other on an interactive site (FICS also comes to mind which has similar computer rules to ICC) be more appropriate anyway?
I wouldn't know why this wouldn't be allowed, provided the games are unrated. There were games like that on RHP before. I very much doubt using a computer in agreed upon games would lead to cheating in regular games. I sure don't see how one thing would lead to another. As to what the point is, if two people would like to engage in a silicon battle, that would be point enough for me. But I'm sure you can make more out of it than a processor test.
David