correct me if this makes no sense at all but...

wouldnt a nation want to win by the smallest margin possible to prevent the opposition from getting a large surplus?

just a thought

ingame:Dasus Vanos

No, You want the largest amount of cargo in order to prevent your opponent to catch more.

Their headstart is 20% of what they gather during the week.

Yeah, the surplus is 20% of what the losing nation collected. The more you collect, the bigger your surplus will be if you lose.

Beolach has brung understanding to my mind.

I thank you Beolach for your enlightening comments

Ingame:Dasus Vanos