I prefer to start on hards, but always decide after I see my grid position and competitors' times. Last night at RBR I started on pole, then in P2. I chose mediums with the plan on getting away. First race the guy on pole must have qualified on hards, was sandbagging, or just had an incredible race pace. He stuffed it up the inside of T2 and I chased him all race. He won by about 5 seconds, and I had 12 or 13 on P3. He qualified about .6 behind me. Second race I got by into first when the pole sitter overcooked T2 on the first lap. He finished back 7-8 seconds from me I think.
@GOTMAXPOWER started on hards from the back, and caught me when he was on mediums (lap 11). If I could time travel, I would have started on hards, and may have pulled out a win, but if you need to battle up front, and guys with your pace are on mediums, you'll get killed. Sounds like the "new" penalty settings will make that scenario worse. Racing from the back? sounds like fun!