Since the topic of " playing by the rules" is being discussed, and in all due respect to those involved; I really think everyone here, either longtime players or those who have somewhat recently started playing Photo Chain Game, are good folks with good intentions.
I've been enjoying my ( and others as well ) participation in the Photo Chain game almost from the game's inception. Recently, I've observed that some longtime players have stopped playing because the rules as set forth by the OP have been distorted... some have made this statement on this thread ie: P51. I quietly took a hiatus for a while for the same reasons as P51 left the game. I came back to the game ( and yes it's only a game ) once I saw that the game was going smoothly again.
I've chosen not to participate again, when my last post was trashed because the very next poster's photo had no content related to my photo. At that point I made the choice to quietly leave the game.
What has made Photo Chain Game fun for me is the "original rules" set forth by the OP. I have over 10,000 photos of my layout and it sometimes takes considerable time to locate an accurate photo. By the time I post the photo, there has been a " Quick Draw McGraw" who has beaten me to the finish line LOL! Out of respect for the " rules of the game" and the " Quick" poster, I delete my post.
I always try to "get it right" by making sure my post has some of the same content ( if only one item ) as the photo posted immediately before. I do this out of respect for " rules of the game" and respect to the poster whose photo my post will follow. I think this to be fair. I'm envious of some of you guys because you are great at finding the smallest item in a current photo and following up with your accurate post.
The rules set forth by the OP are plain and simple. As Jackiejr said " why make it complicated."
Just thought I would let my thoughts be known. And yes, after all, this is only a game.
You guys are a great bunch of folks and I greatly enjoy your talents .... be safe and be healthy.