Complaints about 103

[Ivan]

As I see it, a lot of secrecy has surrounded the developments, thus some outcomes have surprised members, causing varying levels of concern if the outcome was either new or did not reflect expectations...I think the for example visibility issues lie in the latter area.

What to do? IF this is being done as a club venture, with no commercial overtones...well, the Manhattan Project or the destination beaches for D-Day it ain't. So what harm is there in telling people what the overall plan is, in some detail, the phasings, etc? Bound to increase interest, involvement, and sure to bring out some pearls of wisdom.
IF however, this venture has commercial aspects, I fully understand the need for a proper level of security. I would include

IP/copyright issues here. But perhaps we peons could be thrown a crust a bit more frequently.

I and others have strongly criticised aspects of the developments. Unfortunately, a strong theme of responses to the critics has been along the lines that the development team, by virtue of their dedication and work, are completely above any criticism. Such thinking negates the Western tradition of freedom of speech, and responses along this line are without value. I am not talking about abuse or personal denigration, which has very largely been absent, but informed criticism. It also needs to be remembered that criticism of a complex issue rarely encompasses the entirety. One can respect the worth of 95% of the new units, while arguing that 5% are totally valueless and should be ditched. The new ORBATS are works of art, but do contain errors of terminology (which are now recognised). There are new areas which have been added on without understanding of their nature, with bizarre results.

A work like this doesn't happen at once..it evolves around a plan. The matter has been tightly held. There may be sound commercial reasons for this. If there are not, I think the information flow needs fixing. I have heard the odd call for ideas and wishes, but that hardly constitutes a two way flow. Remember, this is a club. We are not, although playing at some aspects such as Chain of Command, a military service. Security is hardly necessary, and should be pitched as low as can be...maybe discipline and commercial aspects (if any)only.

With all due respect I don't think anyone has objected to criticism, in fact they have asked for it. On numerous occasions they have asked for constructive criticism with examples from play and if possible saved games. Reading the Matrix forum the only thing they seem to have objected to is the over the top hyperbole which does not address the core issues.