I had a conflict running for two fairly inept combatants. They both could muster +2's at best, for the situation at hand. It was going slooooow.
Is it supposed to take a dozen rounds for BDtP to resolve?
We were getting some SERIOUS whiff factor going on.
Confession of vested interests: I was a participant in said Pain-Bringin'. And yeah, I sucked big time. Stupid dice!
There are some optional rules (http://random.average-bear.com/TSOY/BringingDownThePain) here.
Another trick might be to double all damage, or throw people some improvised, this-time-only "metaphorical weapons" to represent emotional commitment. It's a kludge, but it might work.
Incidentally, if there was "whiffage" it's my own fault for brain-farting: I narrated poorly. The particular skill might go just fine--it simply fails to accomplish the intention. So, a swordsman might manage to skewer several enemies, but not accomplish his goal of saving the princess. Hence, flubbing a skill roll doesn't mean you're incompetent, it just means you weren't able to apply that performance toward your real objective.
(Vax, I'm sure you know that much, but I'm just stating it again for any newcomers who find the thread later.)
BDTP is serious business. It should only happen rarely, like extended contests in HQ.
I know, with beginning characters it's slow. I'm old school that way.
After last night's experience, it WILL be rare.