…I entirely forgot that people are likely to worry about making a mistake in following the rules. (I play a lot of journaling games; there sometimes ambiguities but rarely the kind of rules that involve "mistakes.")
100% agree. If you like following the rules, great! (I do, for the most part.) But if you think you missed something... the key issue is "was I enjoying the game" rather than "was I playing it right?" You can always try it again if you care to. If that makes you feel like "ugh, so much to redo..." then skip it.
When I visited the Solo RPG Reddit (that was co-opted by AI bros) a lot more I found that that was one of the underlying fears concerning solo ttrpgs. That you wouldn’t play it right and there was no one there to help you. There was a yearning among some prospective players, one to get permission to do play solo as if it was a dirty sin, and two - for a system so strong and authoritative that it could take a place of a knowledgeable GM/DM.
It was also one of the big complaints. Having to think for themself and imagine for themself. Isn’t that what the reference document is for? So, to your point - those folks bending the rules would be beyond the ultimate taboo. Satanic Orgy in the Vatican levels.
But with my games I’m always like, “Don’t use that rule. It’s too hard? Don’t use it. The game won’t break” so we’re on the same wavelength. Commit the crime of liberation all the way!
I'm in the Discord attached to the Reddit (mostly ignore it because of the anti-journaling bias), and there's a constant influx of newbies asking "what do I do? How do I play a game ALONE?" The general answer is "Any way you like! Do whatever you want!" Which is true but not helpful.
And it's obvious what they mean is, "I don't have a GM or a group and this seems to say there are games that will provide that experience without the people." And it won't. It provides a different experience, and some players decide they like that or even prefer it.
I sometimes try to nudge them about "what do you like in group RPGs, so we can try to find solo games to suggest?" It's always really hard to get past the "I'm trying out a new type of game and want to know what the rules are." It's like. "What are the rules for taking a walk?" Are you trying to enjoy the scenery, get exercise for your health, get to a destination, just get out of the house for a bit?
