AI Maximum Defensive Fire Option ?

[Dog Soldier]

A good point James.

The attacker does have far too much control. But that is an issue with all turn based game systems.

VM does have a creative idea. I would think it is a set and forget setting he is proposing. Set it once at the beginning of the scenario. The only down side I can see is the attacker would soon be able to discern the extreme settings and adjust tactics to take advantage of them since they are extreme.

If the controls were set by the defender at the beginning of their turn, then it would be locked in to prevent gamey play. By being able to change the settings every turn or let them ride, the defender could cause the attacker to be a bit off balance not knowing what setting to expect. There would be an illusion of control by the defender. The reason I think the player should set it at the beginning of their turn is to prevent making such a setting due to the outcome of their current move, (no planning required).
This would be a very short lived advantage. I think most players would figure out what the settings are in large or CG scenarios after making a few moves in their turn and adapt.

Personally, I view the potential defensive fire as a factor of how the enemy is setup in the position I want to take. Will soak off attacks be needed to draw fire before the main assault goes in? What is my estimate of the strength of the defense? Will more softening up of the defense be needed?
In some cases multiple assaults work far better than several turns of direct fire. It just depends on the situation.
Things that can be done by the strategic attacking player can also be done in your turn as defender. The best defensive tactics do not rely on how often the AI will shoot.

Dog Soldier