Updating is good and cool, but this time I felt like he was largely describing the book everyone would want SoB to be, but a lot of people find it manifestly isn't. E.g.:
Ideal: Pick your own plundering, explore the seas at will
Reality: Very few places allow the efficiency needed to reach Nippur and win
Ideal: Best scoundrels and cutthroats around
Reality: Duuhhh what be around these parts oh no me fall into pit
Ideal: Thematic immersion in bronze age setting
Reality: Antiquity theme park next door to Arabian Nights theme park next door to mediaeval theme park next door to 1600s theme park
Ideal: Ship and crewmates
Reality: You have to walk alone into this mini-dungeon as well
Ideal: Exciting scavenger hunt with gold pieces ticking up
Reality: Yet another instant death