As a guy who hadn't played online for about 15 years until recently, I appreciate the question. However, I also learned that it helps to be prepared for anything just in case your opponent doesn't abide by these unwritten rules. I had someone say "no rush for 5 min" and then immediately rush me with engineers. Ever since then I've been a little more apprehensive toward accepting that everyone will play fair (so to speak).
I typically prefer 1 on 1 games, which are by nature quicker than other formats. While it seems that most people on CnCNet don't engi rush right off the bat for a quick win, I've notice that lots of Soviets just tank spam and try to overwhelm within the first few minutes. It seems like I rarely am able to get a game that takes more than 10 minutes in a head to head matchup. I guess I've learned to be prepared with a quick defense just in case, even if it hurts my chances of winning if it is indeed a longer match.
