Ah, I misunderstood your post. I thought you were offering prospect pick for prospect pick, which didn't make sense (that's what I get for trying to read through it quickly at work). But certainly I see the difference between free agents and prospects - makes total sense now. Apparently, I'm due for a pair of reading glasses...
And you're certainly not losing me in terms of negotiating - I understand completely. I tend to be a bit conservative, but trade talks make these leagues fun and, as I've mentioned before, absence of such talks and involvement, totally ruins a league. I've been most impressed with everyone so far - am really looking forward to participating.
Now, why do I say the Strat engine makes things more difficult? The game itself doesn't, but my lack of knowledge does, because I just don't know how the game is going to play yet. I've been watching Diamond-Mind run for the past decade and I'm pretty confident I have a pretty strong handle on that, but I assure you that despite reading through the many threads, posts, and ideas you all have suggested (very graciously, I might add) I really have almost no idea how my team is going to play out and I'm pretty certain from what I have read, it won't be quite like playing Diamond-Mind.
Now, can I talk trade in terms of prospect and free agent picks? Absolutely.
But when we start tossing players into the mix, I'm going to want to have some sense of how Strat treats the players or I am going to be easy prey in trade talks.
Once we get into the season, I'll start to piece it together. Heck, it may take me more than a season to get it all down like I'd like, but I think I can catch on pretty quickly and I'm looking forward to the wheeling and dealing. (I don't have 5, 10, or 15 teams in this format to follow, which limits my trial and error ability, but means I will be focused on this league!)
So again, so far so good. I appreciate all the insight and everyone's effort. I've enjoyed it already and I think it will be money and time well spent.
And...I still have two prospect picks and might be willing to move that second rounder...