Gentlemen <salute>
I am no historian, so any input I have is based solely on observation of gaming results. That being what it is:
1) The loss of all movement points when coming into contact with an enemy force is bull. I could theoretically advance my infantry column one hex on a road (11 movement points remaining, let's say) and suffer the cruel fate of 1) taking the defensive fire while in column (that's okay, I blundered into it), 2) taking the opponent's offensive fire while still in column, and 3) taking a defensive fire while changing formation. If I were FORTUNATE and had all units still in good order I would take an additional defensive fire in a melee. That amounts to four rounds of fire taken from one encounter. Movement points should be based on movement, not on contact. If I make contact and choose to deploy into line, I pay the points. If I choose to redirect my march and suffer the subsequent defensive fires it is my choice. At a minimum I should ALWAYS have the option of deploying into line.
2) Cavalry victory points are unrealistic. We are at a major victory level in one of the Gator Challenge MP battles because our opponents decided to engage an infantry corps with a large part of their cavalry force. While we appreciate the opportunity to run up the score by killing their mounted smurfs, the penalty paid should be that they lose the service of these troops' mobility and the reduced strength should they encounter our own cavalry. The arguments presented previously have been they cost more to produce, therefore they should be worth more. I counter that the cost has already been paid, with the consequences becoming a factor in later battles.
3) Artillery points are equally inflated, for the same reason as cavalry. In addition, how did a gun crew come to be 25 (or 50 in some scenarios)? Again, I'm no expert and I'm sure I could come across the number if I googled it, but I don't see the crew being more than about 5-7. If your 6 gun battery is being meleed by infantry it should almost be an overrun if defensive fires didn't disrupt the attackers. I have a frequent opponent who does very well with counter-battery fire, however in my opinion I should simply suffer the use of the guns lost.
The outcome of Gettysburg wasn't determined by how may troopers Buford lost fighting his delaying battle. It wasn't determined by the number of Federal guns lost during the bombardment prior to Pickett's Charge, or the Confederate guns lost in exchange. The battle was decided by the primary combat arm; the infantry. Period.
Highest regards,
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