Thanks so much for the replies Hawk, I was hoping that these things have happened to other folks. Wait, that didn't sound right.
Anyway, I agree, it is very rare. I don't have a tremendous number of games played, I felt I had played a decent number over the years (not compared to you though :bow: )
I would not quite agree though that being able to kill tanks BEYOND the nominal AT max range for the firing unit at greater ranges than normally allowed (because they are considered soft targets while loaded, according to your reply) is "not an issue." to me, it's a serious tactical consideration that I need to take into account.
I, like you, also feel that op-fire is not terribly important, as it's so unreliable (I don't use it much personally). However, the mere PROSPECT of being able to use the dig-in command by merely toggling the button over and over and over (at least till it gets disrupted) for the SOLE purpose of "using up" op-fire is a huge deal for many other players. Many of my opponents rely very heavily on op-fire, after all. And also, there are often large numbers of infantry-class units on the board, and limited numbers of tanks. The idea that someone could "soak up" op-fire by toggling that command, and after things quiet down, simply move up your tanks without fear of enemy op-fire.
I admit though, that I didn't actually try to toggle the command on and off repeatedly - I merely assumed the game would let me do so (since it doesn't take any action points to activate or deactivate the command). If it is otherwise, (i.e.; you can only turn digging in "off" or "on" ONCE a turn per unit) please let me know.
So basically...
1. if you load infantry on your tanks, you endanger the TANK as well as the passenger, and at greater ranges to boot, as the comp considers the tank a soft target.
2. Don't shoot at hexes that only contain (multiple) officers and no other units. It will take away a number of action points equal to two shots. I wonder what would have happened if there were three officers in the hex, and I had only enough action points for one or two shots? Perhaps it would have said "not enough AP's to fire or something...not sure on that one.
3. The "toggle dig-in button to use up enemy op-fire" really bothers me though. I think I'm going to make a personal ROE for myself and say that I won't do this, nor will I play anyone that does.
I think that seeing my tanks suddenly start op-firing on enemy infantry-class units for no apparent reason, turn after turn, is a good indication that such may be occurring.
Again, thanks for the comments.