[Jon Stratis]

Personally, I would always prefer the "control your destiny" approach and be an alliance captain (or I should say be in position to be a captain... Accepting an invitation from a higher ranked captain is always a good option too!).

For me, it's not about winning a blue banner. It's about the experience my students have at the event. And frankly, I just think it's a better experience to be an alliance captain, formulate your alliance according to your scouting information, and providing the leadership the alliance needs to be successful. Being a first pick for another alliance gives you some of this as well, as it can then be a join decision for the second pick. Whether we win or lose doesn't really matter.