Totally not going into the points i really stated, you disqualified yourself sir.
And yes Pigsoup, Katy comes later than the forward retreat base. But you as a confirmed allies fanboi should know how punishing that can be, if you just basepin him with maxims and one zis gun takes that hq out, or you can make him bleed more manpower so you have superior infantry very quick. I don't get the fuzz about it, i think all FRP are fine. It's the game, #adapt.
Also i know what a soft retreat is, doing it often enough as ostheer.
Still, you want to take the 1 thing that makes the major viable? You want to punish brits to have a real slow early game already and t h en not be able to put pressure on you anymore? i think without them coh2 would be have as spectacular as it is.