Stoney to your original statement and my observation:
I agree that "we" should be seeing larger bomber formations in general. My opinion when the point value of a single bomber (20) nearly match's the point value of a target Hanger (25) and the targets at the fields are limited to just the hangers a good CIC probably will limit the exposure of the bombers to his min numbers. It doesn't make sense to risk 400 points worth of bombers to get 100 points in hangers. Even if the bombers have a better chance of making it. Lose 5 bombers and your gain is all lost. To many things can go wrong from escorts not escorting or bomber groups going back and forth 3 or 4 times over the same target allowing every enemy plane within 75 miles to converge on them.
If I were CIC'ing during this scenario I would only use my min numbers in bombers because of the point value of the possible gain to the possible loss. The city targets are the exception and bombers almost have to be used to take them out.
Reduce the point values of the bombers or increase the point values of the targets or reduce the numbers of targets and you will probably see more bombers used. City type targets almost require the use of bombers, so use more city type targets. I'm not sure of what ratio to recommend is, but probably a 1.5 - 2.0 ratio of target points to bomber loss's based on 7 pilots (21) bombers crossing a target would be about right to encourage more bomber usage.
Another observation: The amount of total targets. You really cant assign bombers to each target or you would have more bombers in the air than escorts when the FSO rules on splitting squad plane types are figured into the ratio's. You really cant use a lot of bombers in a plan when there are 7 targets to hit. Also you have the requirements on planes types that must be used for a frame (7 of 9 for the ALLIES). All driving the CIC to use less bombers. Don't know if this was by design or not, but its the way its working out for this scenario.
@PFactor...let's keep the comments above board. No one person is trying to ruin your FSO.
@Krusty...new map with some very specific spawn architecture. I'm sure the launch structure will be modified to better accommodate that. I'm sure DD will tweak something to eliminate the "air spawn camping".
@Viper...good comments. Agreed with the scoring. As far as number of targets goes...At a roughly 400 member player base, and a 50/50 split (for easy math), that means you have 200 allied players. Using your planning figure of roughly 7 player pilots per each of 7 targets, that means you'd have roughly 50 bomber pilots and 150 escorts, with roughly 20 escorts per target. I'd say that'd be a reasonable mix. The only problem is figuring out what "7th plane" to use, since you use the B-17, B-24, P-51B, P-51D, P-47, and P-38. I don't know if either of the Spits have the legs for anything long range.
