[narwan]

This argument comes up in different variations across the different boards discussing both MBT and WW2. Well known variants are debates focusing on cost differential between specific tanks. The argument goes something like 'a T34 is too expensive compared to a king tiger as you need 3 to have a chance of taking it out and it costs only 30% less'. The fallacy in this reasoning is that it focus on only two units or groups of units while you should look at ALL units in the entire game. For example, a T34 and king tiger are more less equaly capable of taking out a platoon of light infantry (no serious AT capacity). So from that perspective both types of tank need to be of near equal cost.
Which brings us back to the argument here, the cost of armor vs infantry. Don't forget you have to be able to distinguish between different types of armor too. Reducing the cost differential between armor and infantry will also reduce the cost differential between different types of armor. So in no time people would come complaining that (for example) their T72's are too expensive compared to the M1A1.
Then there's helicopters. If armor goes down in price, tank busting choppers should go down too. But then shouldn't sams go down in price too? And if sams go down shouldn't aircraft? And if COIN aircraft go down in price shouldn't infantry type units go down too?
The point being that the whole cost structure is based on all types of units interacting with each other. Not just picking two out and start comparing those. Then there's also the element of getting the right tool for the right job. Often armor is NOT the right tool. Not in the game and not in real life. They are there to take out other expensive pieces of kit, not to hunt down individual troopers. If you're faced with a battle (terrain) were infantry will dominate, and that will be quite often, get mostly infantry. Having the fanciest and most modern piece of kit is never a garantuee for succes, on the contrary it can make you vulenrable.

Doesn't mean the cost structure is perfect as it is now, there have been significant changes throughout different versions of both games but it's a very tricky business to get the balance right.


Narwan