ignoring matched obstacles in Fight! mechanics

[gooderguy]

in running a fight, if there are two characters making a versus test with the same obstacle, should the obstacle just be removed?

example
two characters on the ground. they are both at optimal using clubs. they both have +2 obstacle to positioning. one character (trying to close) rolls one success, the other (trying to maintain) roles zero successes. what happens?

i ruled that neither character got what they wanted. with the +2 obstacle, they just couldn't manuever. the player (who i haven't played with in years but is very familiar with the game mechanics) argued that in his understanding, the obstacles should be eliminated because it's a versus test and they both have the same obstacles, thus whoever has the most successes gets his intent.

i think that the +2 obstacle should still be intact
#1 because the game supports the concept that obstacles are hard/fast rules and if you change them you are altering the system
#2 because it gives both character's a harder speed test, also a desired effect

anyone have a different ruling/interperetation? how does it play out in game?

[stormsweeper]

You did right. Neither netted any successes. The closer had 1s vs Ob 2, while the maintainer had 0s vs Ob 3. In this particular case, it would be a tie and go to the maintainer.

[luke]

If both characters had the same obstacle penalty and the same skill exponent, same FoRKs and same amount of artha, then you can drop the obstacle penalty. Otherwise, given how many factors a player can pull in to overcome and obstacle, you should leave it.

[Thor]

I will add that you should be careful when dropping obstacle penalties like this, as you may be robbing someone of a test for advancement!