The Borg and the Starslammers have the most intense melds. They lose <B>all</B> individuality, becoming one mind. (The difference between them is that the Starslammers come out of the meld, which they call the <I>silvermind</I>, when the need ends. Usually a battle.)
Also, both will sacrifice a part of the group to save the rest. I wonder if Ayn Rand's view on sacrifice actually would be discarded if we could meld, as it is in these fictional examples. But then, these two groups sacrifice in different situations, so maybe they would need to be discussed individually. The Borg sacrifice at the drop of a hat. The Starslammers only sacrificed when <I>not</I> sacrificing would lead to much greater losses. At least we only see them sacrificing in this case.
The Lords seem to retain some individuality. Mhoram was able to withhold his knowledge of the Ritual of Descecration, and the other Lords knew he was withholding something. But he <I>could</I> have allowed a complete melding, which, perhaps, would have been like the Borg and Slammers. Although the Lords never melded during any activity, like during a battle. I guess their meld didn't allow them to act as one mind, only to share as one mind.
I'm not aware of anybody holding back at all during a Vulcan meld, so in that way they seem like the Borg and Slammers. But they can be more active than we ever saw the Lords, as when Sarek and Picard melded so that Sarek could do his diplomatic duty.
The <I>Haruchai</I> seem to have the meld that keeps the most individuality. Basically, they seem to be on a conference call, having actual conversations. And, of course, they have no problem with sacrificing individuals for the whole.
Any thoughts? Or am I getting into mind-numbing detail about a silly topic?
