Your perception of RMSS is amiss. It still takes two rounds prep in RMSS then cast on the third round. ESF is now standard rule via SCSM, though any GM could just ignore the rule, which would only mean an increase in pp, which makes the spell user much more useful outside of combat, which has obvious advantages for players and GM's over the older way. Spell users do not fire off spells quicker unless they take considerable risk.
BS. With very little assistance, a first level mage can fire off a first level spell with zero prep rounds with a half decent roll. with an average roll, they fail. somewhat above average, the spell goes off the following round. That is without any "talents" that help them. And from other posts, many of the people here let characters pick their talents. Must I do the math for you or can you figure out my point on your own?
Lets accept your arguement; a flip of a coin is not considerable risk?
Addressing the "spell goes of next round": that does mean the spell caster spends a round at 100% activity doing nothing and basically defensless, adding to the risk.
I guess your definition of risk vary from my own.. So be it. Just note I am not spouting BS. Nor do i appreciate your bad internet mojo. You come across as intense (which is appreciated) and rude ( not appreciated and which seems suprisingly immature considering the otherwise intelligence behind your typical post).
Your anti RMSS is well known. Your opinion is your own. Yet the difference between RM2 and RMSS is far less than you state, in fact, with careful choosing in RM2, I could gain a talent providing a big bonus to ESF rolls, enabling casting of spells three levels higher with little to no risk. Even more powerful than the SCSM rules.
Even so, what is the required roll using esf to cast a spell, without prep, one level higher? Isn't it around 20? Hmm, please correct me if I'm wrong. It has been years since I operated from the RM2 rule set...though I did so since 82-83 to 96-97. I am definitely a fan of the system (and kept a single copy of it for prosterity...well, six arms LLaw, can never have to many of those), even the old ESF rules, though I find the newer SCSM rules superior.
No BS here, just tasty apples and oranges.