[2019] Seal Clubbing... how common is it really?

Hey Captains,

This is an interesting topic to see on the forums and one that comes up from time to time.

Let me ask you a few questions for clarification from you all, so we can have a healthy discussion on this.

What constitutes "seal-clubbing"? Is it experienced players playing lower tiers? Is it experienced players playing lower tiers with high level captains? Is it experienced players using ships that are deemed "too good"?

What tier is the tier that you consider it not "seal-clubbing" and just playing the game? Is that like tier VI?

Granted, I do not play a lot of lower tier ships but I have been known to dabble in lower tiers every once in awhile.