PzB vs Wobbly - Clash of Steel

[Honda]

Kamis can't preform night naval attacks. This move by Andy, if it turns out to be genuine, is a big threat. One base can destabilize your whole position. You may be forced to sortie the Combined Fleet if he makes a foothold.
Do you have any reserve troops for a counterattack?
What size is Zamboanga at the moment?

[PzB74]

Sometimes I think Andy is psychic [;)]
Yesterday he hit a troop convoy of Tacloban and invaded Zamboanga 1 day before
a troop convoy arrived there. Today destroyers appeared at Zamboanga and the carriers
had sprinted into perfect position to hit whatever remnants they could find... [8|]

The problem with these 'leaps' Honda, is that they are almost impossible to wipe out.
1 hour after paras secure a base 150 enemy ac will be moved in - even before the arrival
of Base Force equippment. Today 50 Corsairs were on CAP over Zamboanga and 2 CV TFs parked
outside. As we know it takes 1000 Zekes to match 50 Corsairs...so now it will only be a
question of time before more troops have been airlifted in.

A perfect executed attack by Andy - all honor to him! I told him that his frontline looks like
an old crooked twig by now [;)]

We manage to destroy a few ac on the ground and shoot down 16 Dakotas through LRCAP.
The loss of Zamboanga is painful and I will attempt to reclaim it. Easy it will not be and I have
to ignore the heavy losses that will be incurred. There are several divisions that can be utilized,
the problem is how to get them ashore. So the Combined Fleet has sortied and will arrive within a week.
It may already be too late by then, but we'll see.

A heavy CAP has been moved into the adjacent bases and I will try to hit Zamboanga with a super heavy
bomber attack. If we can close the airfields Andy may find it difficult to reopen them without enough
supplies. Our best interceptors will be but on CAP or LRCAP in the region and attempt to protect the fleeing
troop ships. Perhaps it is possible to make the enemy TFs vulnerable by weakening their CAP? In a week the
KB will arrive with 500 ac and the Nihon Kaigun. By then we should have 9 Kamikaze groups ready for action.

Somehow we have to try to turn this incident into a victory!! [:-]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/19/44

Sub/ASW Attacks

ASW attack at 24,52

Japanese Ships
MSW W.14
PC Shonan Maru #17
PC Fumi Maru #3
PG Nikkai Maru

Allied Ships
SS Cavalla, hits 9, on fire, heavy damage - another sub for Dave Jones locker..
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Surface Combat

A bit spooky how these 4 dd's appeared today! The transports hadn't even been spotted
by the enemy.... [:(]

Night Time Surface Combat, near Zamboanga at 39,59

Japanese Ships
MSW Aoi Maru, Shell hits 6, and is sunk
MSW Choun Maru #8, Shell hits 3, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
PG Magan Maru
AP Kisaragi Maru
AP Shirashika Maru
AP Tarushima Maru
AP Tsunushima Maru, Shell hits 2
AP Haisho Maru, Shell hits 1, on fire
AP Konsan Maru, Shell hits 7, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk

Allied Ships
DD Burns, Shell hits 1
DD Swanson, Shell hits 3

Japanese ground losses:
441 casualties reported
Guns lost 8
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Zamboanga at 39,59

Japanese Ships
MSW Choyo Maru #2
MSW Kyo Maru #1
AP Giyu Maru
AP Gosei Maru
AP Hakutetsu Maru #13, Shell hits 18, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
AP Heiku Maru
AP Hokumyo Maru

Allied Ships
DD Caperton
DD Capps

Japanese ground losses:
610 casualties reported
Guns lost 5
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Air Combat

Day Air attack on Zamboanga , at 39,59

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zeke x 17
D4Y Judy x 26
Ki-21 Sally x 20

Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 14
F4U-1D Corsair x 46

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zeke: 17 destroyed
D4Y Judy: 8 destroyed, 1 damaged
Ki-21 Sally: 6 destroyed, 4 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4U-1 Corsair: 1 damaged
F4U-1D Corsair: 1 destroyed, 4 damaged
PBY Catalina: 1 destroyed

Airbase hits 2
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 15
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Zamboanga , at 39,59

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21 Sally x 15

Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 14
F4U-1D Corsair x 46

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21 Sally: 7 destroyed, 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4U-1 Corsair: 1 damaged
F4U-1D Corsair: 1 destroyed, 5 damaged

Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 5

Aircraft Attacking:
8 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 4000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 40,60

Allied aircraft
F6F Hellcat x 6
SB2C Helldiver x 26
TBM Avenger x 16

Allied aircraft losses
SB2C Helldiver: 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
AP Haisho Maru
AP Kisaragi Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
PG Magan Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AP Tsunushima Maru
AP Tarushima Maru
AP Shirashika Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Japanese ground losses:
30 casualties reported
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ground Combat

Emirau falls without almost without opposition!

Ground combat at Emirau Island

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 952 troops, 32 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 59

Defending force 160 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 4

Allied max assault: 68 - adjusted assault: 70

Japanese max defense: 0 - adjusted defense: 1

Allied assault odds: 70 to 1 (fort level 9)

Allied forces CAPTURE Emirau Island base !!!

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-46-III Dinah: 1 destroyed
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Zamboanga

The current situation: The Combined Fleet should move in west of Manila within
cover of LBA. Should be possible to bomb Zamboanga back into the stone age with battleships!
Several troop convoys will stand ready to move in.

[Jim D Burns]

ORIGINAL: PzB
The current situation: The Combined Fleet should move in west of Manila within
cover of LBA. Should be possible to bomb Zamboanga back into the stone age with battleships!
Several troop convoys will stand ready to move in.

I think Andy may be pushing a little too hard with this move, it just feels like he hasn’t really taken enough time to consolidate his other recent gains (of course the allies have a lot of stuff on map by now so I could be wrong). It might be a better strategy for you to strike out at his supporting bases that feed Zamboanga rather than throw yourself on the tip of his spear.

As you stated he executed this attack well and is probably prepared for and eagerly anticipating your strong counterthrust. I doubt he is as well prepared for an attack one or two bases back in his supply chain. Of course this assumes you can get forces into position without being detected.

Anyway just a little food for thought. Great AAR.

Jim

[castor troy]

PzB,

you mentioned you have a couple of "elite daitais" upgraded to Franks and Georges already. Can you deploy them in addition to Combined fleet. On the paper experienced Frank pilots should be capable of dealing with Corsairs especially when you have superior numbers. Can you mount 3 experienced daitais of Franks?

The Zekes of the Combined fleet will be eaten alive in escort role against his Corsairs on CAP over the base or Hellcats over enemy carriers. What if you bring your carriers in position one or two turns away from the action and begin with your Franks and Georges. If you have success against his land based Corsairs Andy may be a bit nervous and would perhaps retreat his couple of carriers as only a couple of his birdfarms would then not be enough. 200 - 300 land based bombers could then close the airfield, Franks (if any remaining [:)]) could escort possible naval strikes and Combined fleet should cover the invasion transports.

[PzB74]

Jim and Castor, nice with 'new' faces in here...seen you before, but not that often!
Appreciate the input [:)]

First day at work today, a bit tired so no turn.

Yes, Andy has pushed far ahead of his logistical supply chain - but I'm afraid that the game lets him get away with it [:(]
I played todays combat replay and it wasn't a pretty sight. 325 ac lost for 75 enemy ones - and I did committ some Franks and
new type interceptors. Our main raid from Luzon didn't materialize and the enemy af remained open.

Andy is playing perfectly, but I loose both sleep and motivation over the way it happens. From New Guinea and northwards there is now a string of bases
that all have been captured by the same 'receipt:
1. Paras
2. Immediate CAP and airlift

It's working, but only because it's possible to make a size 3 af fully operational in a couple of hours and because Corsairs are so uber deadly.
Must admit I'm running a bit tired of rebuilding shattered Daitais after a single days fighting, it's such a hassle in the long run and especially when it
happens all the time [8|]

Regarding a strike to the enemy's rear: If I can't take out a small size 2-3 af, how can I even get close to a size 5 or 6 base?
LBA will smash our TFs and enemy carriers finish the remnants... I have thought about it several times, but can't come up with a feasible plan.
So I'm afraid I'm stuck with the spearhead. Already 9k enemy troops there after 2 days, so it's already turning into a large fort.

Castor: the Franks didn't perform as well as I hoped. The George's are sharper swords. Should have about 150 high exp Franks ready by now, but
hundreds of Superforts make it very dangerous to even base them anywhere near Zamboanga.

The question is whether I should throw in the kitchen sink in order to oppose Andy at Zamboanga? Not sure I like it anymore than leaving it alone.

[Fishbed]

pisses me off. Well long live the Nick Mod! [:o][&o]

[1275psi]

Although legit, I too agree, Andys mode of operation is not bringing him much glory or credit in my eyes either, game allows it, yet have we thought how a A/F construction needs a bulldozer or dozen ?
never heard of a Dak able to carry one[8|]

Anyway, keep fighting, morally as soon as he gave up the Siapan invasion -a real attempt at an invasion - I credited to you victory in my mind

Just my opinion, others will disagree of course!

[PzB74]

Let's not despair - Zamboanga doesn't bring victory to Andy - and it's the only way he can even get close
to the Home Islands within the historical time limit! So let's give him the credit he deserves and hope that he runs
his fleet aground next time he comes around [;)]

Playing Japan we profit greatly from the ability to place torpedo bombers and Zekes in newly occupied bases.
Again, all that Japan can do early the US can do with a vengeance in 44! It's like sowing a wind and harvesting a whirlwind...

So, what is the most annoying thing we can do against Andy now? [:D]
Let's cook up something nasty...! [8D]

[The Duke]

PzB, sorry to see the info on the Corsairs.....I'm now in Dec '43 in my PBEM, PDU-on.....i.e., he has corsairs over every TF and base.....30 Corsairs on a size 1 airfield = invincibility for the allies....simply no way Zekes, Tonys, etc can compete....every airgroup he can convert to F4Us he has....
 
I have a bit of hope for the George's, which are now starting to filter into my air groups....but I don't think they'll be able to handle Corsairs either.  That bothers me about the Franks....I'm really counting on them to stem the tide of mega 4-engine raids.
 
Oh, almost forgot....by some mishap in the coding, around early '43 his ground and air reinforcements advanced 6 months....like I invaded the states, but of course I didn't.  So, other than several divisions, ships, tons of squadrons, etc....he received four 48-count B-29 superfortress squadrons in October '43.....how great is that? Now I'm having to deal with 200 B29s that didn't exist historically until April '44....and the first historical B29 raid was in June '44.....
 
This game is tough enough for the few of us hanging tough in the later years as the Japanese.  PDU-on is....shall we say....very difficult [8|]
 
Keep up the fight!  You are inspiring me to fight on in '44 [8D]
 

[AmiralLaurent]

PzB,

just a question: what is your average small base garrison ? A small base force with replacement on should have 40 ASS points and may be prepared to 100% to the base, with forts, it may resist a para assault... especially as US paras are used so often that they propably don't have high preparation status. Then you may have a chance to carry more troops with air transports and ships and delay the offensive.

Of course I have no idea:
1) how much C-47 Andy uses, maybe he is able to drop a full RCT on day one....
2) how bad the Japanese BF will fight once it has bombed the same turn by B-29s and so on. Or for days...

Then you can also use my idea of dividing a division into a dozen components by loading it into ships, and then sailing 2-3 ships to each of your base, that will allow you to have, with a BF and a partial Div, between 80 and 120 ASS points in 4-5 bases with 4-5 small BF and a Div. Enough to resist any paradrop or FT invasion.

[Fishbed]

yet have we thought how a A/F construction needs a bulldozer or dozen ?
never heard of a Dak able to carry one

Well in fact this is maybe not the most controversial thing in there - French actually managed to airlift M-24s to Dien Bien Phu in 1954 using Daks and Ju-52, splitting them into pieces, I suppose dozers could make it too [:)]
Well but Im not sure they were truly operationnal the day after they arrived btw [;)]
And it was not during the heat of the battle of course.

I just checked. Apparently dozers were air-dropped (probably in pieces) on the very first days of the building of the camp construction. Well looks like that was indeed possible...

[castor troy]

ORIGINAL: PzB

Jim and Castor, nice with 'new' faces in here...seen you before, but not that often!
Appreciate the input [:)]

First day at work today, a bit tired so no turn.

Yes, Andy has pushed far ahead of his logistical supply chain - but I'm afraid that the game lets him get away with it [:(]
I played todays combat replay and it wasn't a pretty sight. 325 ac lost for 75 enemy ones - and I did committ some Franks and
new type interceptors. Our main raid from Luzon didn't materialize and the enemy af remained open.

Andy is playing perfectly, but I loose both sleep and motivation over the way it happens. From New Guinea and northwards there is now a string of bases
that all have been captured by the same 'receipt:
1. Paras
2. Immediate CAP and airlift

It's working, but only because it's possible to make a size 3 af fully operational in a couple of hours and because Corsairs are so uber deadly.
Must admit I'm running a bit tired of rebuilding shattered Daitais after a single days fighting, it's such a hassle in the long run and especially when it
happens all the time [8|]

Regarding a strike to the enemy's rear: If I can't take out a small size 2-3 af, how can I even get close to a size 5 or 6 base?
LBA will smash our TFs and enemy carriers finish the remnants... I have thought about it several times, but can't come up with a feasible plan.
So I'm afraid I'm stuck with the spearhead. Already 9k enemy troops there after 2 days, so it's already turning into a large fort.

Castor: the Franks didn't perform as well as I hoped. The George's are sharper swords. Should have about 150 high exp Franks ready by now, but
hundreds of Superforts make it very dangerous to even base them anywhere near Zamboanga.

The question is whether I should throw in the kitchen sink in order to oppose Andy at Zamboanga? Not sure I like it anymore than leaving it alone.

Really strange that Georges perform better than Franks. IIRC the Frank is around 35 mpH faster than the George and speed is the most important thing in A2A in the game. The Frank is only 20 or 25 mpH slower than the Corsair. I thought that experienced pilots could achieve at least a 1:2 ratio against the Corsair. [8|]

[Honda]

They should. But much depends on the type of mission. If they were on escort - R.I.P.
If not, my suggerstion is try again. They won't outpreform Corsair, but they will should do at least 1:2 ratio.

[Mynok]

I agree 100% based on my experience (only 1942 so far) that Sweep is a far better mission than escort for killing off CAP.

[PzB74]

The Corsair is a big headache, no doubt - but we destroyed 21 today. How many does Andy
receive each month? Perhaps we can exhaust his supply!

Need to test the Frank further: only a small number in combat today - but it was against P-38s and their
performance wasn't all that good. Sent quite a few fighters on sweep missions over Zamboanga - a few returned [:'(]

A bit afraid that I have to garrison central Burma soon, pretty sure Andy will para drop from the PI to
the next battlefield <G>. Well, Zamboanga was the only lightly defended size 3 AF in the region and troops
were 1 hex away when paras invaded.

Laurent: I was in the process of distributing forces, but didn't have time to reinforce all of my bases.
Usually I got an SNLF unit + 3-5 fort lvls in even size 2 AF bases.
The problem occurred when Andy dropped into Sulawesi and suddenly got within range of 20 relatively weekly
defended smaller bases. It took time to reinforce them and with psychic precision... [:(]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/20/44

Andy laid mines at Manila...even though he's forbidden to! Minelayed 4Es can't
be intercepted and CAP'ed bases are not valid targets.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 41 encounters mine field at Manila (43,52)

Japanese Ships
MSW Tama Maru #5
MSW Tama Maru #3
MSW Ataka Maru
MSW Wa 21
MSW Wa 20

Japanese ground losses: [&:]
362 casualties reported
Guns lost 3
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Air Combat

Day Air attack on Zamboanga , at 39,59

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 2
A6M5 Zeke x 92
N1K1-J George x 16
J2M Jack x 13
C6N Myrt x 3
Ki-21 Sally x 63

Allied aircraft
F6F Hellcat x 32
F4U-1 Corsair x 10
F4U-1D Corsair x 29

Japanese aircraft losses

If you take a look at these losses you see how impossible life becomes when Corsairs are placed above a newly captured base.
39 Corsairs and 32 Hellcats vs 94 Zekes, 16 George, 13 Jack and 63 Sallys. Losses: 129/23. Guess we have to continue to pick
away at the pests - monthly supply isn't too big I hope. How many F4U-1D Corsaris arrive each month?

A6M2 Zero: 2 destroyed
A6M5 Zeke: 86 destroyed
N1K1-J George: 11 destroyed
J2M Jack: 12 destroyed
Ki-21 Sally: 18 destroyed, 3 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F6F Hellcat: 7 destroyed, 8 damaged
F4U-1 Corsair: 2 destroyed, 5 damaged
F4U-1D Corsair: 14 destroyed, 1 damaged

Allied ground losses:
7 casualties reported

Airbase hits 9
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 36

Aircraft Attacking:
8 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 6000 feet
8 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 6000 feet
5 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 6000 feet
2 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 6000 feet
13 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 6000 feet
2 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 6000 feet
2 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 6000 feet
1 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 6000 feet
4 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 6000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Zamboanga , at 39,59

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 59
Ki-21 Sally x 91
Ki-49 Helen x 27

Allied aircraft
F6F Hellcat x 14
F4U-1 Corsair x 6
F4U-1D Corsair x 11

Japanese aircraft losses - 78/3 loss ratio [8|]
Ki-43-IIa Oscar: 54 destroyed
Ki-21 Sally: 21 destroyed, 4 damaged
Ki-49 Helen: 3 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F6F Hellcat: 1 destroyed, 7 damaged
F4U-1 Corsair: 1 damaged
F4U-1D Corsair: 2 destroyed, 7 damaged

Allied ground losses:
7 casualties reported

Airbase hits 4
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 18

Aircraft Attacking: - Sally's doesn't carry enough punch to close even a small AF.
7 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 4000 feet
15 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 8000 feet
4 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 6000 feet
14 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 4000 feet
4 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 8000 feet
4 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 4000 feet
6 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 6000 feet
2 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 4000 feet
6 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 6000 feet
5 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 4000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 8000 feet
2 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 4000 feet
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 4000 feet
2 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 4000 feet
2 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 8000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 6000 feet
1 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 8000 feet
2 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 4000 feet
2 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 8000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 4000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Franks didn't perform too well, but they were outnumbered. Need to gather
a bigger force. Impossible to defend a small base against huge attacks - can't
get up enough CAP fighters.

Day Air attack on Jolo , at 38,59

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zeke x 26
N1K1-J George x 4
J2M Jack x 21
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 11
Ki-61 KAIc Tony x 6
Ki-84-Ia Frank x 17

Allied aircraft
P-38J Lightning x 90
B-29 Superfortress x 94

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zeke: 16 destroyed
N1K1-J George: 4 destroyed
J2M Jack: 12 destroyed
Ki-43-IIa Oscar: 11 destroyed
Ki-61 KAIc Tony: 7 destroyed
Ki-84-Ia Frank: 15 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-38J Lightning: 20 destroyed, 8 damaged
B-29 Superfortress: 3 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
13 casualties reported

Airbase hits 6
Airbase supply hits 4
Runway hits 48
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sent an ASW group to Jolo to draw fire away from the transports. Worked.

Day Air attack on TF, near Jolo at 38,59

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zeke x 12
N1K1-J George x 1
J2M Jack x 13
Ki-61 KAIc Tony x 2
Ki-84-Ia Frank x 7

Allied aircraft
TBM Avenger x 45

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zeke: 3 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
TBM Avenger: 6 destroyed, 21 damaged

Japanese Ships
PC PC-26
PC PC-6
PC Etoforu
PC PC-5
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Jolo at 38,59

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zeke x 12
N1K1-J George x 1
J2M Jack x 13
Ki-61 KAIc Tony x 2
Ki-84-Ia Frank x 7

Allied aircraft
F6F Hellcat x 8
SB2C Helldiver x 76
TBM Avenger x 17

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zeke: 1 destroyed
J2M Jack: 2 destroyed
Ki-61 KAIc Tony: 1 destroyed
Ki-84-Ia Frank: 3 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F6F Hellcat: 2 destroyed, 1 damaged
SB2C Helldiver: 2 destroyed, 2 damaged
TBM Avenger: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
PC Aguni, Bomb hits 1, on fire
APD APD-46, Bomb hits 6, on fire, heavy damage
PC Kurahashi, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
PC Kusagaki, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
PC Tsushima
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A small success: DMS are high value targets!

Day Air attack on TF at 44,73

Japanese aircraft
G4M2 Betty x 3
P1Y Frances x 13

Japanese aircraft losses
P1Y Frances: 1 damaged

Allied Ships
DMS Elliot
DMS Palmer, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage *sinks*
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Situation map: Zamboanga

The fleet and several divisions will concentrate around Manila. I want to be able to
hit any weak spots that may appear in Andy's fronts. Give me another 5 days and we'll
be ready.

[PzB74]

Breakdown of todays air losses:

No serious losses, but they're heavy! Still, we managed to bring down
a number of enemy fighters.

[castor troy]

I think Andy gets 140 Corsairs each month. With both versions he has probably 1000+ on the map. Enough to kill 100.000 or your fighters. [8|]

[kkoovvoo]

f4u-1 - 1OO monthly
f4u-1d -150 monthly

too much for attrition

[PzB74]

True..but the F4U-1D can't have been around for long. That's the bloody carrier capable version
of the vermin. Perhaps Andy's pool is quite small if these ac are sucked straight into new units?

Can always hope, he wasn't happy about his Hellcat pool! [;)]

[PzB74]

I asked Andy what he thought about me not training my Zekes anymore and simply sending 1000 Oscars
and Zekes into battle as bait and cannon fodder each month in order to give my bombers and 2nd gen interceptors
a chance.

Would be a defeat for WitP me thinks...pilot skills shouldn't be this meaningless.
Not sure it's worth the effort, yesterdays 110 Zeke casualties yesterday tells its own tale. 90% of all Allied casualties
were caused by the new interceptors while these ac made up only 10-15% of the total Jap fighters.