I really love true multiplayer games, and I can go on for books about the theories behind it and in fact I have written alot on the subject for boards such as these.
End of quote
I tried to wrote a strategy guide (not just "do this, then this", a real strategy guide), but it's hard to write your "feelings" on paper.
So now it's completed by about 50%. Also, it was written with emphasis on StarCraft (it may be used for any strategy, preferably RTS).
I've never was 1st on ladders, but really you almost don't have an opportunity in Russia. Say, you need a ping of no more than 30 to play RTS. And you need any Inet to play at all (preferably for free, because it's too expensive overwise). And if you are working, then you have money, but don't have free time.
I also left institute for a while because of games. And i know a lot of people with the same fate

Seems that it's a common thing.
As about time need to be at the top... I know "Orky" team - top Russian RTS&TBS players. So i know how much they are playing. Really, most of them left institiute, they are not working...
~SDC~