Being first to initiate a particular strategic move can have a high payoff in all of the following EXCEPT when:
A. Pioneering helps build up a firm's image and reputation and creates strong brand loyalty.
B. Buyers remain strongly loyal to pioneering firms because of incentives and switching costs barriers.
C. There is a steep learning curve and when learning can be kept proprietary.
D. Moving first can constitute a preemptive strike, making imitation extra hard or unlikely.
E. Market uncertainties make it difficult to ascertain what will eventually succeed.