Thanks for the thorough. It is appreciated.
It was my pleasure.
If the question is how did it improve your game, do you not think you would have come to the same conclusion on how to run it after reading it? Not trying to be nitpicky or anything, but wouldn't simply reading that AP have you draw the same conclusion, regardless of a label?
I like be able to compare campaigns by putting them into buckets based on style, theme, etc... Linear/Non-linear is the highest level that informs me of the style of campaign before I commit to further research and/or purchase. Think of it in terms of types of games. D&D, Savage Worlds, Call of Cthulhu, PbtA, Free League, etc.. All carry the RPG tag. Games like Diplomacy, Risk, and Monopoly do not. Now, I would argue that there is role play in certain board games, like the ones mentioned, but the play is hardwired to a specific set of mechanics and scope. Using the RPG label is useful because I know what style of game I'm looking at. I could, of course, just buy them and read the rule book and find out myself, but the label is a time saver.
And, to that end, wouldn't it be better for the DM to interpret the style of game for their table, such as more of a kingdom sim? (I have heard nothing but great things about this AP, and it is one of the "next on the list" to get. So full disclosure, I have not read it. Hence, the questions.)
Kingmaker is great and I'd recommend it. I also recommend scouring the net for forums on discussions. I have avoided many pitfalls in APs by doing so. It has been invaluable for helping me customize the experience for my table. Also, there is tons of cool stuff people are adding I never would have thought of.
I find this to be true of all APs. And the people who consistently regard them as railroads seem to not have a y-axis mindset when playing them or have never played them. But, in fairness to their opinions, it takes a lot of work to make them open and breathable, which is often a complaint that tags itself to the above "railroad." I am glad you had fun though. I was in a campaign that started Carrion, and it was awesome. The mini sets are great too!
We are on the same page, although I think it is often implied for some tables. Granted, new table with new players definitely needs to be clarified, similar to alignment for some. That said, once you play with a DM once, you pretty much know the path they are going to take as far as more linear or really open. In my experience, if they change something, they will definitely let you know.
I think you hit on a very important point here. A lot of groups find a groove and sit in it. However, every day new folks are just getting started. I had moved away from non-linear gaming for a long time in the aughts. When Kingmaker dropped it piqued my interest in sandbox gaming again. Now, had there not been advertising of the fact, I could have just bought it and ran it. Though, maybe I would have tried to run it as linear? If it bombs out at my table, perhaps I think it sucks? The truth would be I wasn't properly framed for the experience as intended.
Now, I like trying new things and expanding my GM toolkit and horizon. I know some folks have a wheelhouse and they never leave it. Some are introspective enough to admit it, others just assume that's how
all games are to be played. This is another bonus of the linear/non-linear tag as it suggests there is a difference in these gaming styles.
Thanks again for the answers.
Anytime!