That is annoying but it's part of the whole E-peen implementation.

It's not actually that hard to get certain Stranges in trade. I managed to get my Nade Launcher for 2 Rec and Backburner for 1 ref. Which is pretty cool since the trade market is starting to increase with stranges despite the fact the the original owners paid at least 2.50 to get them.

Also in general more popular weapons will cost a bit over 1 ref for the strange version. I assume that in later updates stranges will be released for the uber-update and Deus Ex weapons.

So, with some luck and an empty server, I got two more Demoman achievements and thus unlocked his third and final milestone, the Scottish Resistance. Feeling interested in trying it out, I headed on over to a public server playing Doublecross. I really should've jumped ship the moment I saw the team I was on had four engies and three snipers.

I'm a ****ing moron when it comes to items I haven't used before, so I did terribly. My own team spent the entire match (except for at the end, when one of our team mates ragescouted and capped the enemy intel three times) turtling in our base, giving the enemy team free reign over the rest of the map. And since they also had 2-3 Engies and active defense in addition to offense, I couldn't get anything done on my own.

All this has done is succeed in coloring my view of the Scottish Resistance (and public servers) a bright, deep, seething red.

The exact same thing happened to me, with Demoman and stickies the first time I ever played him. It gets better though, if you use them well.

I had trouble with the Scottish Resistance at first.

But now? After I've taken the time to use it a bunch? I just cannot go back to the regular Sticky Launcher. I can't, man. I can't go back to only having 8 stickies out at once, or not being able to selectively detonate them in groups.

...on Defense at least. I've realized that you can't really play offense with the Scottish Resistance. Once I get me a Loch N Load, I'll probably use it and the Sticky Launcher on offense, and use the SR and Grenade Launcher on defense.

Man, you have no idea how hard it is to use the Loch N Load. Either you use it in rather close range or you master physics to hit reliably on anyone more than 15 feet away.

I just find that Screen, Persuader and Vanilla launcher will turn a standard Demoman into a force of nature capable of turning the tables on which side controls the central area (it's easiest on 2fort since you tear the heads off of anyone that's on your side or on the bridge, then once you're over there you're free to spam grenades at the snipers.

I don't use Demoknight outside of Degroot Keep, just on principle. I much prefer bombs.

Does the hydro map not exist anymore? I always liked playing on it, but I can't seem to find it anymore

It's around. I kinda wish there were more Territory Control maps.

There's a competitive one that is being played now. Can't really find it unless you're looking in the European league.