(Not sure where exactly to post this but suggestions forum is not particularly used so seems as good a place as any. Half way between suggestions post and spading guide. We can collect a surprisingly large wealth of statistics about opponents currently, however— there are a few gaps in our knowledge-gathering tools. I suppose please consider the bolded statements below as requests.)
Most values are possible to determine with complete certainty; some are only possibly to determine with reasonable certainty (eg. you roll a ??-sided die a hundred times and get the results 1 through 6; you probably have a 6-sided die but might 7-sided die with some very poor luck†).
Additionally, many variables are only determinable when you have comparable attributes (eg. Integrated Ram Play lets you determine your opponents Strength by comparing your Strength). Also — many random damage calculations become non-random if you can zero-out an attribute; this is quite reasonable to do with Perception and Reflexes, however there are fewer equipment items that reduce Will or Strength*. This becomes increasingly impractical over time as your attributes become larger (reseting helps).
*From equipment, max reduction:
- Perception: -19
- Reflexes: -25
- Strength: -11
- Will: -10
Attributes
Completely determinable:
- Perception: vs Dirty Pool (Complete certainty)
- Reflexes: vs Considered Shot, Wildcat Play (Complete certainty) / Running Away (Reasonable certainty)
- Strength: vs Integrated Ram Play (Complete certainty)
- Will: vs Crystal Strike, Owl's Mask (Complete certainty)
Additionally, if an opponent uses a technique that uses a known attribute, that attribute can be determined with reasonable certainty by collecting a limited damage range.
Power
Determinable if using techniques of known base damage value. Otherwise thresholded if opposed by appropriate type: Melee Power by Clashing Blow/Bullet for Surt; Etheric Power by Bullet for Ginn; Stealth Power by Bullet for Ymir. No known method for determining Ranged Power and Fire Power, and no way to determine powers if not opposed by appropriate type.
Defence
Straightforward to determine by damage ranges; much easier with zero attribute; Melee Defense also determinable directly by Spade Strike or Branded Lash.
NPC Technique Chain number
Distance conditionals can currently directly determine chain 1vs2, 2vs3, 3vs4, 4vs5, 6vs7 and 7vs8. This leaves only 0vs1, 5vs6 and 8vs9. Whispers from the Stars is usable in almost all cases except where opponents have insanely high Etheric Defense. (A Short Distance chain 5 or 6, and 0 or 1 technique; or Long Distance chain 2 or 3 technique would help.)
NPC Technique Attribute type
If an opponent has a unique technique its associated attribute can normally be determined by observed damage ranges with reasonable certainty. If an opponent has two or more attributes of the same value, it is impossible to tell which attribute is used. The Petrifying Roar technique is the only known way to determine if it uses Reflexes because it reduces Power To Techniques Using Reflexes. No known way to determine if an NPC technique is Perception-, Strength- or Will-based (if tied attribute). More techniques that de-buff (or buff) those attribute power types would help.
EDIT: and forgot to add, I'll take this opportunity to suggest again an item that is an "anti-coin of the seasons"; ie. gives Enfeebled 10 to all attributes — would be super handy to keep stats low without having to reset occasionally.
Thanks, Al