I don’t know what I should think about that. It seems like a rather extreme solution. What do the other V factions think about variblissies?
They are often regarded as example of Balancist synergistic over-engineering, but they are accepted as valid choice for a psychological configuration. Nevertheless, variblissies are often considered to be strange by the other V factions. Those factions often discourage their own members from becoming variblissies, because they would usually prefer two “regular” members to one variblissie. The exception to that rule is the Freedom, which has the second highest variblissie population after the Balance. The Exuberance mostly sticks to the classical types, because they are seen as more “efficient”. For the Unity, variblissies are more of an exotic curiosity. And within the Exaltation, variblissies represent a significant part of the manic population.
The Unity is very collectivist, while the Freedom and the Exaltation are much more individualistic. Where does the Balance lie on that continuum?
It saturates the continuum with all kinds of cultures that lie in between those extremes, or actually on the end points. The variety of cultures within the cultural silvanism system of the Balance rivals that of the Freedom. But the important distinction remains that Balancist cultures see themselves as integral part of the Balance, while some Freedomist cultures couldn’t care less that they are actually part of the Freedom.
Would it be fair to call Balancists patriots?
I guess that depends of the definition of patriotism. They are proud of their own V faction and want to help it succeed at maintaining the peace between the V factions. On the other hand, if there is no real danger to the Balance, they are pretty relaxed.
Do many people leave the Balance, and how are those seen by the Balance?
Yeah, a substantial number of Balancists leave the Balance to experience a radically different way of life, which is pretty much in line with their odyssey system. Often they return to the Balance eventually. The Balance usually considers those who don’t return even after a very long time as “stuck”. But it accepts that things like that happen, because it’s the price for having the freedom of choice, which is valued highly.
How do the other V factions consider members who switch to the Balance?
They consider those as people who lack true conviction and don’t appreciate the simply elegance of the “pure” V factions. Regrettable losses, but the choice against the own V faction reveals that those weren’t exactly “high quality” members in the first place.
Have the other V factions ever considered conspiring to get rid of the Balance?
Yes, but the Balance is excellent at diplomacy and had always succeeded at convincing the other V factions that conspiring against the Balance is a really bad idea, especially since any V faction would lose the Balance as potential powerful ally. And in the worst diplomatic crises, the Exaltation came in for the rescue.
It seems to me that the Balance is overall a rather decent faction, after all. While it seems to have some weaknesses, the overall quality of life also appears to be quite decent. Or have I overlooked something there?
No, you are quite right. The word “decent” is quite appropriate. It adopted elements of all other factions, while still maintaining its own distinct overall culture.
In any case, the Balance seems one of the strongest contenders when it comes to the question which V faction I would like to join. What about you?
Most of the time I’ve considered the Balance to be too bland. But now that I’ve explored it together with you, I admit that I agree with your position.
And now I suspect that you will claim that all other V factions are obsolete anyway once the Coherence gets its limelight, right?
Well, it’s complicated. The post V factions play an important role even after the proof of the UVS theorem. I will elaborate on that once we discuss the post-proof world in detail.
I’m really looking forward to your elaborations. Thank you again for another fascinating interview! 
And as always, you are welcome! 