Interesting comments, let me break it down and answer some specifics.
In the previous two frames, only task forces were targets for each side. In frame 3 the allies not only had the same 4 task forces to hit, but also an airfield, and a large airfield at that. Certainly the highest value target in FSO.
In Frame 1 and 2 there was a total of 1152 Objective Points at stake in each frame. In Frame 3 there was a total of 1148 Objective Points at stake.
Also because there was no information provided about the point values, it was impossible to perform a cost benefit in assigning targets.
Just a simple email to me could have solved this one. If you or anyone have serious questions about a setup, email me, I could have answered some of your questions and try to work anything out with the CICs. As is most common in every FSO, the highest valued targets at any Base; Aircraft or Vehicle, are the hangars, followed by the Radar, Fuel, Ammo and Barracks then the AAA guns. I assumed that the simple total of each objective was sufficient enough for the objectives and that there was a common understanding in FSO of the target precedence. I will include the point values for each object at any objective from now on.
Finally the Axis had a choice of aircraft in the first two frames that enabled them to drop ordnance from altitude if they so choose. The Allies had no such choice. All ordnance in each frame had to be delivered at very low altitudes because of the aircraft assigned, giving the defenders even a more of an advantage.
Was this an advantage for the Axis? They lost both frames 1 and 2 in points totals. The Allies destroyed more Ships in Frame 1 and only one less than Axis in Frame 2 and shot down a significant amount more aircraft in both frames.
This frame was either designed to have the Axis win or it had some serious flaws.
Neither was my intention, It was however designed to be an all or nothing type frame for both sides. The Axis, down by 410 points had the opportunity to come back close with a win of frame 3 and possibly win the entire Event with a major defeat. The Allies had the chance to lose the frame and still win the entire FSO.
Both sides had the ability to field roughly 53 pilots per objective. Perhaps instead of a sweep, as indicated in the Orders, Heavy Escort or even just more concentrated escort could have sank more ships or maybe dropped some hangars at A19. Had the Allies sank the same number of warships (9) they did in Frame 2, the Allies would have lost Frame 3 by 447 points but still won the entire event.
What I see is two great sets of orders. 2 sets of very well thought up, detailed plans where the Axis played well to the role of defender, which I admit does have it's advantages in FSO and it shows here. But, I can't say that it would be played exactly the same way the next week. In the end, what stands out to me that is the Axis won the event by less than 500 points, which in the total of the final scores makes it a very close event.
You win some and you lose some, I have planned numerous FSO Orders and thought I covered everyhting and still got a good lickin' from my opponent. Sometimes it's just the way it goes, Good Job Allies and Axis.
