It might be shocking to some, but I was the hold out against going with written orders in the rules writeup. I eventually agreed that it was a good step to take.
While I understood and agreed with the reasoning on WHY it was necessary, I was concerned about how to implement it rationally.
I eventually came to the following conclusions;
1. Orders have always come down from higher command to the units and force commander on what the next objectives were to be. How else can things be coordinated with all aspects of the war.
2. All the orders say is what units are delegated for what objectives, I believe the current term is "frag order". This is what I would describe as the strategic level, while not quite that high, its as good as term as any.
3. The tactical aspects of the orders are 100% in the Leadership Team's and GLs hands. Direction, alt, decoys, sweeps, CAP location, patrol areas, routings etc are all still in the hands of the command team and players.
4. We needed to get away from points based scoring. This would allow that to go away easily.
5. Balancing of action and ensuring of enjoyment. While not 100% sure due to game day showups, we are at least doing more to guarrantee that the individual player has as much chance as possible to see action, not be bored to death, and to have coherent plans.
The objectives are realistic and the assignments are realistic. Face it, no one wants to come here to fight P-51s vs B-17s. Scenarios are supposed to bring a bit of history to the player. Anything which goes further to ensure that, and the player's enjoyment, is a good thing in the long run. And the player's enjoyment remains as always, my main definition of victory.
