Chickenboy
Posts: 24520
Joined: 6/29/2002 From: San Antonio, TX Status: offline
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quote:
ORIGINAL: John 3rd quote:
ORIGINAL: Bullwinkle58 quote:
ORIGINAL: Aurorus I guess that my point is this: the airwar in 1943 and 1944 is going to be fought mostly over Japanese air-space regardless of Japan`s approach in China. If the allies wish to concentrate their air assets in China using a dubious supply path and using supplies that would otherwise go to the Chinese army, this does not disuade me from pursuing a less aggressive path in China. What would concern me more is that these same supplies would go the Chinese army instead. Well, let's not go overboard on the points being made. I wouldn't ever concentrate my air effort in China. But if Chungking were handed to me I'd use it, sure. I would probably shuttle 4Es in from Ledo for hit-and-run strikes, but I'd put decent CAP at CK to deter fishing. B-29s from Ledo can reach HK, which makes Japan base significant fighter volume there, but they can't go to Shanghai, or any of the good Manchurian aircraft industry targets. When looking at this game one also has to heavily factor in the HRs on strat bombing and especially night bombing. They have given John a safety blanket. A no-HR game with an Allied northern China would be a whole different proposition. But overall this discussion shows once again how many ways there are to play the game. Weighing costs and benefits. I don't agree about the night-bombing rules providing a safety net. That decision as a very two-edged one. How many times in 1943 and 1944 has Dan placed a gadzillion ships in a Port knowing I cannot hit it at night. Same for gadzillions of aircraft at an AF. While I agree about the Strategic Bombing--to a point--the Night-Bombing is much more two-sided. A no HR game in China *would* be vastly different, because the Japanese player could immediately dump out every unit (in excess of the 8,000 AV garrison) out of Manchuko into an early game IJA tidal wave. Think 20 divisions (most of 'em pretty good ones), *all* the Manchuko artillery, base and other support forces might make a difference in liberating China in 1942? I do. Dan is playing a slow, deliberate game. Critics could say 'plodding'. It's working largely through surfeit of arms and focal superiority. Like football announcer Pat Summerall used to say, "potential just means that he hasn't done anything yet". Yes, he has a potentially formidable base once Formosa is captured to start strat bombing. But he hasn't done it-or any other game-altering action yet. I think the score parity reflects that. As for using China as a 4EB hub, it can be done in bursts but it's not tenable for long. Just like IRL. Until copious supply can be brought into the theater (right about now with the recent SE coastal conquests?), it's a pipe dream. Just like IRL.
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