Profile of Mr.Smith

I haven't built this unit in over 6 months now (mainly because it is one-shottable by Elefants etc). Thus, I am in no way qualified to comment on this.

However, I am still curious; how does the current m8a1 and the buffed m8a1 compare to:
- OST mortars
- Pack Howies

The reason that I am asking is that it seems that the m8a1 has a far shorter range (60). Moreover, since it is on wheels, it is snipeable by AT, tanks, Schrecks (which are hopefully on the way out). This makes the m8a1 a babysit unit on a faction that already struggles with babysitting on the late-game (Jackson flotilla, etc).

The way I see it, if I wanted a set-and-forget indirect fire unit for the USF, I would pick the Pack Howitzer (which is also better). The only foresee-able use (not covered by pack howitzers) I can think for the M8a1 Scott is countering pak-walls (where mobility is useful). How well do the current and the buffed m8a1 scotts do this job?

I would say that if we only consider the non-DLC doctrines, Armor Company is pretty damn good. Also, it's consistently reliable all modes; from 1v1 through 4v4 (but for different reasons).

I am mostly with Cookies on this one. However, I will concede that some troll units/abilities need a bit of help:

Bulldozer Sherman

With the Volksblob being thrown out of the game, this unit will already become 10x more viable. This unit could benefit from the treatment Brumbar is getting this patch, and you are going to start seeing more of them.

Currently, I only build this unit when I need Heavy Crush (the thing that destroys everything; like Panthers, Tigers etc do).

I also love the unit for the insane amount of damage it deals vs ambient buildings when you ram that tank against them.

Elite Vehicle Crews

This ability may have a very niche role in 1v1's (everything above that is a clusterfuck; not worth stepping out of the tank to use it). If the ability were cheaper, we would probably see more frequent use of it.

Thought experiment:
- Would reducing the price to 30 Munition make this upgrade appealing to use?
- Would 30 Munitions make it too OP? Then increase the price and reiterate.
- I would say that 60-ish munition is definitely not too expensive, but it's not too cheap either.

The only way anybody is going to abuse this ability and spam vehicle crews is:
- If they spam AAHT or Stuarts (M20 crews cannot be upgraded with Thompsons); not very cost effective
- If they are CptSPrice and decide to spam M10s. Your vehicle crews will not have to remain idle at the base. Also, at the same time you have your swarm ready.

Everything else is fine-ish

Assault Engineers
A great utility unit, but don't spam it as your main combat unit

280mm barrage
- In bigger modes, having more than 2 OKW players on the field means that they are going to stick their trucks next to one another. Ever wondered what happens when you throw this ability in the middle of OKW-Ville as the enemy blobs retreat?
- Sure, the ability can be replaced by another one, and nobody will miss it. However, a straight buff to this ability would turn it into a monster.

M10 Wolverine
- Nuff said.

1. USF is the only faction in the game whose stock does not contain a reliable recon unit.

Since they have to rely on glass-cannon TD for their late-game, they very badly need a recon unit.

Go over their unit roster now, and tell me which unit provides decent sight range. The only two options are:
- m20: 50 range (Vet0), 60 range (Vet1)
- Stuart: 35 range (Vet0), 43 range (Vet1), 56 range (Vet3)
- (for comparison, infantry has sight range 35, and Panzerschrecks have gun range 35)

The M20 has 240 HP (equal to the old 222). The Stuart has 400 HP (the Jackson has 480 HP), and it is not very easy to vet a Stuart in the lategame, if you have to replace them.

(please don't come up with "Major recon!!1!1!")

2. Jackson needed that sight bonus at Vet0 (if only to avoid infantry when they chase the big cats).

However, even with 45 sight range, you still something else to screen for your jackson, when you want to kill:
- Panthers (gun range: 50)
- (King) Tigers: (gun range: 45)

3. Self-spotting TDs is not a good idea (for the same reasons that omni-potent Volks is not a good idea either).

I completely agree with Firesparks on this one. However, for the reasons outlined in #1 and #2, I am more in favour of toning down the Vet2 bonus. This is because of reasons #1 and #2, and also the fact if you make a single mistake with the Jacksons, they are dead (and flop goes their Vet).

An alternative would be to change the Vet2 bonus to +10% (for a grand total 50 sight range at Vet2).

Command Panther - 55sight.
Vet 2 JPIV - 60 sight.

Just saying...

I don't think you can use either of these units Vet/Non-Vet bonuses as a baseline for a balance conversation. This is for the same reasons you can't use the vet bonuses of USF Riflemen Veterancy as the baseline. They are all... special.

Just want to say USF & Brits don't have non-doctrine counters to the pac43 tbh

Actually, Brits do have a non-doc counter to the Pak43.

Just aim your Tulip rockets at max range against against the Pak43 (RedxWings-style). The Pak43 will be destroyed 100% of the time.

The new patch -might- deny that counter (Firefly rocket damage reduction), but -might- introduce a new one (Arty flare range increase, and Anvil arty is not completely useless anymore).

Note that:
- Firefly Tulips traverse buildings, just like the Pak43
- Tulips instantly destroy any neutral items they traverse (abandoned team weapons/tanks etc) -- T-34-ram-style.

Forcing people to use the official forums, what a cruel joke

It seems a bit frustrating, yes. However, to be completely fair, making bug reports about a piece of software on a fan-fueled website (even if it is THE fan-fueled website) and having those bugs picked up was a luxury. Hopefully, this will allow the proverbial "1-2 people still working on CoH2" focus their efforts and fix what's being reported