Fairness of Soviet "Free Set Up" in PBEM

[washedprison]

Collecting opinions on this issue, as discussion appears to be sparse. In a PBEM game, ticking "Free Setup" allows the Soviet player to pull units back from the line a considerable distance.

I found one discussion on this issue, where Cameron noted that Free Set Up was intended as a tool to create situations, and not for PBEM play. The other user, jmac, mentions that the Soviet player could conceivably save several units, and suggested that Free Set Up if used in PBEM is equivalent to a +20 German difficulty modifier.

That said, can anyone confirm using Free Set Up in a PBEM game, and it DID NOT affect play balance?

My opponent and I are currently negotiating what to do, as we've started a "Free Set Up" game. I favor a restart unticking it, and he wants to continue, hinting he would lose interest with the option off.

I'd like to either reassure myself that the German game is winnable against a Free Setup Soviet. Or reassure him that a restart without the option is the fair and proper thing to do. Thank you for any advice!