I beat
Ayiti using the strategy that someone's (I can't recall whose) student came up with - volunteerism.
It should be a bit embarrassing to us that we failed to analyze the author of our "text" and realize their likely message.
Also, I've started reading
The Diamond Age again. I'd almost forgotten how amazing that book is.
Finally, take a look at
Anda's Game for a really great short story about avatars and gold farming.