Zero Star Loot

[Malkavman]

The rules state that if your level is ever exceeded by your stars of loot, not only can you not play more, but you also cannot play zero-star loot(Discount Cudgel, Chopsticks, etc.).

Does this mean you also cannot obtain zero-star loot? Does that make you unable to receive the Hot Potato? Because that would be a neat way to stop that potato, say if you had Pre-Shrunk on your loot, and then Squishing-Ringed it away after you hit level 10...