The Allied CV's seemed very fragile in this FSO. Was the hardness lowered for this FSO?
The last frame it was not possible to setup a defense because we were 5 or 6 sectors from the boat. Is there some reason we could not have launched from the CV group? It's my understanding historically the Spits took off from the CV group.
The CV and all ships were supposed to be set to MA hardness. If they were not, this was an oversight that I and the staff are apologetic for. However, I am fairly certain, they were set to MA standards.
Although a challenge, it was possible for Spitfires to reach the CV in time. This frame was certainly the most challenging for the Allies as they were asked to do a bulk of the defending with their FAA aircraft since the Spitfires from Furious had already been launched and sent to Malta. Many sorties (some 400) were flown during the week by Spitfires from Malta. This was simulating one of them. The reason why they could not launch from the boat is because they did not fly combat sorties from the CV, only the sortie to Malta on the 11th of August. While your understanding of the Spits rolling from the CV is correct, they did not perform defensive duties on that sortie and instead flew directly to Malta. In Frame 2, we allowed them to roll from the CV AND defend the CV as a way to add fun and playability to the event. That aspect was completely inaccurate and historically, there should have been no Spit 5s in Frame 2.
The remainder of the operation was one of a supply run, mostly aviation fuel and ordnance. However, many Spitfires saw action over the convoy, but those sorties were from Malta. Frame 3 was to be a representation of August 13. This was a larger attack and defensive work done almost solely by the FAA from the carriers in the operation. However, many Spitfires did provide cover from Malta. In the event, the CiC was faced with a tactical dilemma: roll Spits from Malta in hopes of getting there in time and defending the CV or stack the CV defense in hopes of successfully intercepting the Axis. In the end, Frame 3 was the closest frame and the only frame in which the Allies won.
Thank you for your input and interest in our events. I am always happy to discuss balance, designs, etc. with players. If I had to do it again, I would move the CV route closer to Sicily in Frame 2, and closer to Malta in Frame 3. These events, like many aspects of Western culture, cannot improve without criticism. Every event has the potential to be outstanding and to be a dud. Without proper feedback, we designers cannot judge it. So thank you
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