Combat unit removal

[K K Rossokolski]

War is conducted without rules in the sense of fighting it, so why should war games differ? For generations now international agreements such as the Geneva Convention have sought, with decreasing success to regulate the conduct of war in a humanitarian sense. ROE as used by civilised forces stem largely from these agreements, and certainly may effect tactics, operations and even strategy.

I am presently engaged in playing all the scens with another old bloke (albeit younger). No rules*. If your valuable map edge heavy arty is about to be overrun by a pair of Jeep Scout Sections, Off arrow .....zooosh. Trucks..... drop their load, map edge in a hurry, thanks chaps.
But remember the Universal Law of Unintended Consequences...if you need them later, tough sh*t.
*Except the necessary computer selections.

That said, I am not opposed to game rules at all. Indeed, we all are subject to the Optional Rules check box, so the principle is established, but here it is run and controlled by the computer. No complaints are allowed, nor possible.
One difficulty I have with rules is that if there are none, there are, by definition, no disputes. Life is simple. But we appear to be a fairly argumentative lot, so I think a plethora of rules would lead to a plethora of disputes. And who is to adjudicate? Will the squeakiest wheel always get the oil? What penalties if any should be imposed?
If people want rules...lets call them Rules of Engagement (ROE) although technically that term is not quite accurate...I think there is an argument for codifying a list, and publishing it. Each rule should be short and sharp, on one topic, and precise in meaning. All rules would be optional
For example: No units may be taken off the board except at a proper exit hex. That is precise and unequivocal. No doubt what it means
The REAL issue, however is not the rules, which I would be happy to draft if so tasked. It is the arbitration of the inevitable disputes, which is bound to be controversial, and has nasty divisive potential.

PS I don't see this as O/T. Unit removal is intimately connected with rules