2. When you mass retreat as sov, you are GONE for 1 minute +. If you mass retreat with FRP, you are GONE for 20 sec.
Then is the problem that Soviets need FRP like three other factions do, or that three factions need to be like Soviets?
I am not disagreeing with the disparity of FRPs per se, but I do think that FRP is a good thing especially for larger maps. If Soviets and Ostheer also had FRP, then I would think that's a better solution than no one has it, given that three factions already do and it's a workable mechanic, plus there are mods out there that allow Soviets or Ostheer to utilize a form of FRP.
As for species, well I'm glad I'm not classed as a dickface.
FRP is a way easier to use, needs no micro, does not eat pop cap. You simply do click-click.
With HT you need to micro HT behind your troops all the time and at some point you gonna lose it. Let's say, schreck blob is coming from side, so you need to switch maxim, get cons behind cover, move HT behind maxim. That's damn way more of micro, instead of click retreat a go back in few seconds and at some point so won't be able to control efficiency crew weapons, at guns, cons, tanks and ht.
Still if I retreat blob, how many HTs I need to get back to the same point? How much more micro I need when compare to 5 volks blob mass retreating and mass coming back in next XX seconds?
Plus, if I get under suppression it's over. HT won't help me.
Halftracks are more than just transporting blobs back from base, they let you manoeuvre troops up ahead. Judging the worth of Halftracks relative to FRPs without considering the whole of their benefits is not a fair assessment.
Halftracks may not prevent suppression, but they still allow transport and reinforcing even in enemy territory, on the move. It's more a matter of swapping disadvantages: you can't take a Mechanized HQ truck with you into battle, but you can retreat to a closer position. For Ostheer/ Soviets, you CAN take a source of reinforcement and transportation with you, but you don't get to retreat to a closer point. Asymmetry.
But I do agree with you that a light vehicle that offers such critical support can be so easily lost is a problem I have had with halftracks, despite their low cost relative to combat vehicles. And I also didn't agree with the patch that removed reinforcement when you upgraded the halftracks.
If it were up to me I'd just add an FRP upgrade for Soviet halftracks so they act like USF major, the cost is resources plus cannot transport nor can they upgrade weapons. For Ostheer due to their larger use of bunkers I'd think something like Command Bunker can be FRP as well as reinforce, but cannot garrison any infantry.
At least then the arguments for FRP evaporate. After all the entire problem with FRP is that some factions have it while others don't. Given that maps can be large and the ability to play custom match types, FRP shouldn't be removed but instead given to everyone, you just design it in a way so it's asymmetrical.