Compare inside a focus
When
You already believe two groups inside the current pile should be judged against each other.
Focus
Stay. Comparison is a step-4 ask. If one of the two groups is not in the current pile, you are naming a new subset.
Example asks (same intent, different words)
On a defense slice:
- “Compare Ranged T12–T14 with Mounted T1–T4 on Effectiveness.”
- “How did our ranged layers trade versus our mounted junk on these holds?”
On a rally-type slice:
- “Full joins versus dust — Effectiveness and Exchange Ratio.”
- “Did depleted marches still contribute, or only pad headcount?”
On a player’s incoming:
- “Main versus when they were only a rein.”
What good output looks like
Two sides of the comparison labeled, the measure defined, stake visible (a tiny high number vs a large-stake medium number). Not a scoreboard-only rank.
Common miss
Comparing her defenses to the team’s attacks without moving focus on purpose. That is two piles. Name the move if you want it; do not treat it as a column on the old table.
If the Analyst “helpfully” leaves the pin to fetch the other side, pull it back. Staying vs moving.