If AHII:TOD will be modeling battle engagements complete with battle plans then perhaps there's another alternative to avatar retirement. Have general characters actually develop and implement large scale battle plans.
This will make the ongoing campaign more fluid as well as provide another positive motivator for success. Granted, it could take awhile before player-generals start calling the shots ... but it would be interesting.
But .... since we've been talking about "consequences in the game" ...
And since apparently the only real consequence for players is mandatory "time outs" for retraining ....
With greater authority comes greater responsibility.
If a rookie 2nd lt. is to be held accountable for wasting his own life too often, those in leadership roles should be held accountable for wasting the lives of their men.
More than just rookie butterbars should experience the consequences of failure. Players of all ranks and levels should as well.
Of course, the mandatory training for higher ranks will deal with their specific failings.
So if a section leader loses five wingmen (be it the same guy over and over or different ones) then he needs a time out to learn effective wingman tactics.
If a Group leader loses half his force or more in battle five times, he needs a time out to learn effective group tactics.
If a general loses half his army five times, then he needs a time out to go back to staff college.
Advancement and consequence ... there ya go.
