Starting a discussion.

[Squire]

With the other CMs re how to come up with a better system for side splits. My confidence in the current system is at an all time low. In any case chime in please. Good ideas are good ideas. I just wanted you guys to know we are looking to improve things here.

[Nefarious]

I don't think much is wrong with the system as it is how we actually use it.

The biggest difference in setup to setup is the plane set and we can expect low turnout with this plane set. The early Japanese set doesn't have the draw B-17s and P-51Ds do. If you're planning on an assault style setup like this, adding more to the Axis side doesn't hurt and it might help the split yield better results. Their are not many aircraft in the set that have trouble bringing down G4Ms. P-40E's have no trouble at all, Spitfires V won't either.

I can also manipulate the sides numbers by adding certain squads to certain sides. If I want the Allies to have less players than the Axis, I will look at squad participation in squads and if their side request allows I might place a squad that routinely brings fewer pilots to the Allied side. Likewise, a squad that is always at the top of their numbers then I will place them on the Axis side to help bolster that side.

We've all been here before, make some adjustments to the setup and sides and it will work out.

[AKKuya]

When setting up a plane set and determining the side split, most of the players here would have no problem on occasion to fight a quality vs quantity showdown.  Start a whole month before the planned FSO event with polling the squads and asking for feedback. 

Volunteer squads sign up for the quality side knowing the side split will be around 25% for them.  They accept the challenge of fighting as the underdog.  The other squads have the weaker aircraft but get to fly with overwhelming numbers.  Turn out would be better.

[Devil 505]

I think the most important thing is to compel squads to actually update their commitment levels/ride preferences every month.

[Nefarious]

++DOGZ OF WAR++ - 4-6 - 4 pilots
327th Steel Talons - 4-6 - 1 pilot (1 below required minimum)
364th CHAWKS - 4-6 - 7 pilots (+1)
412th FNVG - 11-15 - 14 pilots
56th FG - 4-6 - 7 pilots (+1)
Claim Jumpers - 4-6 - 4 pilots
JG 54 - 7-10 - 8 pilots
Kommando Nowotny - 11-15 - 9 pilots (at required minimum)
The Unforgiven - 11-15 - 9 pilots (at required minimum)

The actual FSO numbers requirement allowed for most of the numbers above. Besides the 327th, everyone was within the rules.

I think the changes made will help, Even if the Axis comes out with more than expected turnout next week. The Allies still have a good shot at defending their objectives.

[BOBO]

I don't really care which side I'm placed on.  Perhaps some of us can be designated floaters to balance things out?

[APDrone]

I don't really care which side I'm placed on.  Perhaps some of us can be designated floaters to balance things out?

There are supposed to be detailed orders for each side a couple days before the event.  Since only registered squads are allowed, each member should have access to their orders well before the event.

To reassign folks aware of the orders for one side to the other will invite an elevated level of paranoia that mission details were 'leaked'.

No matter the integrity of the players involved.

From a purely logical approach, at launch time, the CM should declare how many of the side with excessive numbers will need to sit the frame out.

This, of course, cannot work, nor would it be a good idea to even try it. Those told they they couldn't fly would likely never return.  Really bad idea.

The only thing I can suggest would be that the imbalance numbers be assigned to an aircraft that is inferior to the the opponents. So, if the allied were 18 over in numbers, the CM would enable some plane that is lower value than the A6M2 and insist the allied CiC assign 18 players to fly those planes... and, you know what, that might be tough in this setup.    I'd say P40c, but even that is faster than the a6m2.. I think.

To summarize, there is really no way to fix the numbers at the last minute. Yeah, it sux. I just don't see how it can be fixed. It's up to the player base to show up.

My $.02

[BOBO]

There are supposed to be detailed orders for each side a couple days before the event.  Since only registered squads are allowed, each member should have access to their orders well before the event.

To reassign folks aware of the orders for one side to the other will invite an elevated level of paranoia that mission details were 'leaked'.

No matter the integrity of the players involved.

From a purely logical approach, at launch time, the CM should declare how many of the side with excessive numbers will need to sit the frame out.

This, of course, cannot work, nor would it be a good idea to even try it. Those told they they couldn't fly would likely never return.  Really bad idea.

The only thing I can suggest would be that the imbalance numbers be assigned to an aircraft that is inferior to the the opponents. So, if the allied were 18 over in numbers, the CM would enable some plane that is lower value than the A6M2 and insist the allied CiC assign 18 players to fly those planes... and, you know what, that might be tough in this setup.    I'd say P40c, but even that is faster than the a6m2.. I think.

To summarize, there is really no way to fix the numbers at the last minute. Yeah, it sux. I just don't see how it can be fixed. It's up to the player base to show up.

My $.02

Then bust us down to PFC and don't send us orders.

[oakranger]

I was wait for this day to come.