MengTzu: NO to all 4. It is easy to learn a few chinese characters and you will be familiar with them after 1-2 games. I have more fun playing with original pieces. I regard special boards and pieces as an additional barrier. There are better ways to make Xiangi more popular in non-asian countries than to invent a new design.
(hide) When moving in a game you can choose which one will show up next by selecting the appropriate option in the list next to the submit button. (pauloaguia) (show all tips)