[FASTBOAT TOUGH]

I have to agree with the last, I've seen more air sorties used against me by the AI THEN I've ever been able to purchase in air support myself on most occasions. It seems that the air support (sorties.) available is in direct portion to the size of your own land forces or other limiting factors within the game. I believe the most I've ever had was about 8 but the average is about 3. And it should be noted for the newer players you can end up using this number of sorties just on a single UAV on a one to one basis. But many good points have been brought up concerning arty prep, WW, SEAD of likely AA "sites" or I would add, using a couple of UAV's especially after the last patch fixed some long over due issues concerning their vulnerability to all types of AA. And now almost everyone has them including North Korea (Very recently apparently.) and many smaller countries on just about every continent now. I don't know how the AI uses them or not, as I think AI has used them against me less than a handful of times over the years. But not to worry the Level Bomber for some countries will become relevant in the game as many countries are equipping them with Litening and Sniper Pods or their equivalents in Russia and elsewhere, but more on that later, but think TI/GSR integrated into FCS and therefore weapons. The era of the "Dumb Bomb" in U.S. and even Russia (For contrast.) is about over, now that cheap but accurate guidance systems can be installed on the warheads, AFPKWS II is a prime example among others. I've never really thought of this game as a land only game (Older versions more so yes-not this.), this has always been more a combined arms game that's land "heavy" if you will. That's why I think it's the best of what's out and why I spend more time on "research" then playing it with the time I have available to me now. So for you air folks I think help is on the way equipment wise, for further evaluation and assessment I leave that to those of you with the know how to test and track those results using the games systems AND presenting that data to those that matter - I'm just an equipment guy and a witness to how these events have affected my interactions with the AI.

I've got a Daughter to walk down the aisle later this evening, so I hope you all have as good a weekend as we are!!!! And besides I better get ready before CINCLANTHOME gets in.

Regards,
Pat