Proposal: Make the timing for ASPLAB speedruns end on whichever last relevant objective is completed (res penalty if it's Kitava, clicking "ascend" on the plaque if it's lab, consuming the last skill book if it's a skill point)

A while ago, I wrote a wall of text arguing for this, but at the time I felt pretty entitled to having my opinion heard so I came off like an asshole. I'd like to apologize to anyone was offput by my behavior. I admittedly haven't went back and read what I wrote, or I'd probably implode into a black hole of cringe.

These days, I don't really have as strong of an opinion and I'd be fine with the rules staying the same, but I figured I'd still write this so that a record of an actual rational and measured argument exists.

The reason why I think runs should be timed this way is because it makes more sense given the context of how PoE is played. It's a character building game. Getting to your character to x point, regardless of the order, should be the stated objective in a game like PoE, in my opinion.

Others have mentioned that finishing the run by defeating the big bad, Kitava, is thematically appropriate for the speedrun. Indeed, in a category like SM64 120 Star, it's mandatory to collect 119 of the 120 stars before entering the final stage, getting the last red coin star, defeating Bowser, and rolling the credits. If you don't follow this order, your run isn't a valid 120 Star run. However, I don't feel the need to ascribe the same importance to Kitava that SM64 ascribes to Bowser. In PoE, defeating Kitava is merely an unlock (namely, A6 or maps) in an infinitely-scaling game.

It should be noted that I'm not particularly interested in making the run easier, flexible, or more forgiving. There's nothing inherently wrong with disqualifying a run that forgets a skill point, as there's plenty of downtime where you can type /passives. There's also nothing inherently wrong with enforcing an order of merc lab -> A10 Kitava. However, given how character progression is the central part of PoE, particularly in ASPLAB (in a boss rush, defeating the boss is undoubtedly the central goal - it's literally in the name), I feel like these restrictions, while not inherently flawed, are unnecessary and could be removed.

As a final note, I also think races (if they ever happen again lol) should be changed in the same way, so that in my ideal world, speedruns and races are consistent with how they are timed. You could argue that it makes the spectator experience worse if it's possible for two players to both be on Kitava, but progressed to different degrees. However, the optimal order is to save Kitava for last anyways, so this won't be a problem in 99% of situations, especially with top players, who usually won't forget anything.

Also, I'd like to plug my early game racing discussion discord, The Knights of the Round Table! We're currently in the middle of discussing this topic right now, so feel free to hop in if you'd like to participate! https://discord.gg/4wartpssYV