Well than, requiring all Nintendo cabs to be 4 way now looks especially not well thought out. This rule would make it a requirement to put 4 way joysticks on original 8 way Nintendo games.
So there goes the 'Make all games uniform argument". Here is my point, you are going to screw over people who do not gain ANY advantage on a game with the 4 way rule. Also did you think of the fact that for the past 10 years people have been playing Donkey Kong Junior, Donkey Kong 3, and Popeye games, and probably submitting scores from time to time using 8 ways? If you allowed it then, than why not now?
I know personally if someone were to get a new DK3 record using an 8 way, that I would recognize them as the record holder. If Twin Galaxies were to screw that person over I would probably print out a page that said "Congratulations on the Donkey Kong 3 score, I officially recognize you as the new World Record holder.", and send it to them.
The rule should be simple. If it brings out a clear advantage, than it should not be allowed. If there is no clear advantage, than it should be allowed.
Also who is arguing to have Popeye, DKJr, and DK3 to be 4 way only? People who have spent less than 100 hours time combined on these games. I have spent thousands of hours on at least DKJr, and DK3 combined, and have a much better knowledge about how these games work.
So here is my feelings on the matter of Nitendo Arcade games
Donkey Kong- Yes, it should be a 4 way. Hank Chien made a persuasive argument that it effects game play enough for it to be a rule.
Donkey Kong Junior- Maybe (I am OK with the rule allowing 8 ways, and 4 ways or just 4 ways only). There is a part in the Jungle stage where it could be realistically argued that an 8 way could help in that board. Personally I would like to see a discussion among other million point plus players, and get an idea of where they stand.
Donkey Kong 3-No, I have never seen any kind of advantage to be had with an 8 way on any board. It's a frivolous rule on this game, and you are making people jump through hoops for no good reason.
Popeye- I have no clue. My knowledge of this game is extremely limited. I do know there are steps that Popeye has to climb, and so maybe an 8 way would be an advantage, but I just don't know. I would like to see a player like Ben Falls speak up on the issue.
Sky Skipper- Since it's an 8 way game to begin with, than yeah not allowing an 8 way is completely a moronic move.
