I've struggled with the thought of how one defines the title of being the best in a social computer game too, and to my chagrin I think I finally have found the answer.

Sam has defined his own goal. We all know that. But this is HIS goal made for his own purposes. That's it. Even thou no one else (or most of us at least) recognizes his definition of the "best", HE recognizes it, therefore that's the only thing that matters. It doesn't matter what the rest of us think.

He needs the title.

It has been said before about always having goals when you're playing to keep the motivation up. Being the best is his motivation, even thou it doesn't matter to the rest of us, it's his goal. He's climbing up an invisible mountain that only he can see, and that's cool. We all have those mountains.

This would also explain why he doesn't crumble under the verbal barrage that's hurled toward him. He probably laughs at some of the vile and hurtful things that have been thrown his way. It keeps him in the spotlight.

Now that I finally understand your motivation and your goal Sam, your shenanigans don't bother me as much as they once did. Brag all you want. You're eccentric, and there's nothing wrong with that.

/tosses two coppers into the cup