Yes the site was set up with various goals. He was testing a new programming system, he was gathering data, and it had many game like features. Some came for research reasons , I came for the tracking of bills and the game factors. Now this debate has come up many times over the years and I still say when you have different levels, points, teams it is a game. It was the way you said the statement that worried me, as even though he does not come to visit the site (that we can see him) he is still very respected as the creator of the site and refered to as DR. (All Hail our Leader All Hail DR.)