On an another note I would like to point out that sometimes stuff happens that are outside of anybody's control. By this I mean that the Allies attendance was on the high side of the range while the Axis was on the low end of their range.
This resulted in the Allies having a 30+ plane advantage which skewed things later in the frame.
Basically the Axis did really well. They hit one of their targets very hard. Leningrad was basically untouched. I don't know if the escorts were lighter than expected for the JU88 strike on Leningrad because of low turnout but another 15 - 30 Axis planes in the frame would really have turn things about.
While the Axis saved Leningrad they did not hit either of their targets very well at all. The Allied HQ and City were taken down after T+60 by the surving Leningrad Allied Defenders and others.
An additional 15-30 allied planes could have done a couple of things:
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- The Leningrad Defenders would have stayed in place at some force level to defend against a late frame strike or end run attack instead of being let free to attack the Axis City and HQ.
- The additional Axis planes could have provided additional defenders that could have lasted longer into the frame preventing the scrafing attacks on the city and HQ.
- Additional Axis pilots could have provided a stronger escort to the JU88s strike resulting in some of the bombers getting to target.
It was a close thing, it really was and it was only really turned later in the frame when the numbers really went against the Axis. The Axis did a great job but being down by 30 planes is tough to over come.
Now, let me also say I am not blaming anybody or pointing fingers. It happens. I have been on sides also in FSO where for no discernable reason squads on a side field their low side of numbers then the next frame they are back to normal.
I know if skernsk says if frame 2 the Axis turn out low again he will move a squad to rebalance since then it would not be a fluke.
So right now let me give an incentive for Axis turnout. Anybody who shoots me down will get a prize. 68Falcon will buy them drinks all weekend long at the upcoming AH convention in October. ;)
Seriously remember guys people in your FSO squad don't need to be members of your squad in the MA. Nightmares have members of several MA squads flying for us in FSO. Feel free to ask anybody you want to fly with you (as long as you do it before the actual event starts in the SEA).
Also if you go over your max +2 limit for your squad remember you can always parse out your extras to other squads on your side instead of telling them they can not fly.
