I've suspected a connection between degree of damage and "flashability", too Schatzi. I've tended to notice the nonflash when bases are heavily capped, which often happens late in the pork cycle.
When I log, I get the impression that the map situation is updating one detail at a time -- this circle down, that plane in flight, this base flashing -- but I've not suspected that teh "start flashing" order was a one time event, so I'll ahve to watch.
I've also noted the persisting flash after a kill -- and I think that has to do with the pilot being counted as an enemy. If the guy bails, the base keeps flashing till he's gone. If someone else gets the kill, I bet my FE jsut needs to hang out until the server sends the all points broadcast that the enemy is dead -- and thats when the falshign stops.
Would love to hear something definitive -- if anybody knows the answer for sure.
If no one does, could we maybe get clarification from the HTC team?