I see people making the point how important the food buffs are, then why would taking that away be noobish? Almost makes it sound like a good tactic! It is all part of the game. I just mention this to make a point. I rarely take valleys myself, unless I intend to keep them!

However, if you think about it a small player may take a valley, upset a big player, get him to send some attacks and camp reinforcements perfectly and kill the bigger players troops. I wouldn't classify that as a noobish move. Granted, it may often times be done by noobs, but if they are not strong enough to take a city and gutsy enough to take valleys from bigger players...more power to them in my opinion. They are just doing what they can and anyone that's trying gets my respect. Dishonorable??? This is still just a game right???

I kind of like playing the devils advocate...feel free to tell me why I am wrong!