From the heights that we share, it's tough to receive feedback from the likes of Seven, who's still foraging for coins and boiling mud for dinner. If PlagueDoctor were here, I'm sure he would have something important to share about the secrets of true wisdom, gleaned from all his time spent at the library leafing through Lady Chatterley's Lover for sections to beat the meat to. 

RIP to TtTt. He did the right thing and his act of seppuku has successfully saved the integrity and honor of his family name. Seven, any thoughts? Future plans? 

Flicking back through my bloodline's annals of history, a mixture of the two is clearly the best method but it's not a balanced equation. I'd lean about 70/30 towards the side of fear.

My own ancestors best runs were all full of times when they were feared by many but also commanded the fierce loyalty of the few friends they did keep. Something other members of my bloodline showed their ancestors in return further down the line.

The ones I've been taught about that had the most success were the likes of SamTheAmericanEagle, Ganelon, Ellis. ratSkcoR, DeadlySin and Oberon and they all instilled a certain amount of fear into everyone who was not inside their inner circle. SamTheAmericanEagle went 6 months without even being shot at (in an era when you were lucky to live a month, never mind multiple months because killing came easily with the right training).

Those who ruled by fear only were generally short-lived, although not impossible and those who were well loved always fell victim to a stray bullet from an envious soul.

That's a good question. It's nice to be both, but it's very difficult. But if I had my choice, I would rather be feared. Fear lasts longer than love.