Questions regarding spy mechanics

[Big J Money]

I've searched in other threads but haven't found it: How much influence is lost/gained when elections are rigged? Is it static, or does it change according to spy level?

 

[Dardis]

I've just started playing an ICS sacred sites game for kicks on the new patch (trying Emporer first). I've achieved influential status with the tech leader pre-renaissance, so based on the posts here am I right in saying that I will steal techs 50% faster from that civ (since my 1st spy is effectively rank 3 from the get-go with the new tourism bonus)?

Originally I was looking to see whether the +4 beakers per caravan bonus would be enough to offset the early wide science penalty, but the spy bonus is going to be handy as well.

 

[joncnunn]

I've searched in other threads but haven't found it: How much influence is lost/gained when elections are rigged? Is it static, or does it change according to spy level?

Rigged is static. I don't know the exact number, but on standard speed, it's only a few more points that you naturally lose between votes (unless you are playing the Greeks). It's basically designed to keep you where you are.

In the other direction (losing one); it's very few.

You only ever need a better spy than raw recruit if either someone else has a spy there or else you think an opponent might gain a lot of influence in a single turn (AI completing quest as if the AI only used gold they are such penny pinchers that you would have the maxed out 85% chance of success.)