Deep End, you are flat out wrong.
Vortex isn't the worst bonus. Far from it. Combine it with Revenge,
C Wing and
Marty, you have a great combo. Yes losing is not optimal, but when losing 1 round can win you the game, especially by knockout, it's worth it. And if you play straight up instead of lose to win? Well even if you lose, you gain pills back. So your always at the advantage if you play right. Is it harder to play that way? Yes, it takes a lot of getting used to. But it is probably one of the most broken bonuses in the game. Without SOB and vs a good draw, there is very little you can do to win. Lose first round they KO second round or you all pill to stop KO, then they have 8 pills and you have 3-4. Win first round they can KO in the second still, with a pill advantage (probably 2-4 more pills). It is a no win situation for the opponent, unless you have SOB to use. Now vs
Nightmare or
Piranas?
Vortex are near worthless. But outside of those 2
Vortex can hang with any clan.