CieZ I like some of your solutions but I would propose a hybrid solution that would work in the larger game modes as well.
Precursor
- The Soviet faction is going to be hit hardest with this change. They lack any non-doctrinal armor that scales well into the late game. Changes to the T34/76, SU-85 (at a minimum) should be included in whatever solution is picked. I fear the return of the state of balance in March. Please don't harp to me about this one game where one top 10 player got his SU-85 to Vet 3 and was able to kept it alive. That is not the norm.
- It is important to recognize that whatever solution is taken that the most popular game mode is included into the thought process. Four's.
Proposed Solution
- CP's for IS2, ISU152, Tiger, Elephant, JadTiger all increased by 5.
- Why to encourage an extended mid-game and to allow those whom decided to skip medium armor to suffer for their decision. I suspect this would extend mid-game play by 8 minutes or so.
- King Tiger is limited to one per game or one per a set time period (20 minutes for an example).
- Why OKW has the luxury of having the best non-doctrinal armor as well as the only faction with a non-doctrinal heavy tank call in. In the 4's game mode the King Tiger can hit the field in 14 minutes. This would also stick with the theme of the faction. "Supplies are limited, high command has issued you an elite ubertank. Lose it and you shall be held responsible commander".
- The duel T34/85's call in CP's are increased by 2. The single T34/85 call in remains untouched at 10 CP.
- Why The duel T34/85's are a very powerful dispatch that should be spaced out between single tank call ins and heavy armor call ins.
But Napalm...
- Requiring T3/T4 takes away choice from the player. It is my personal preference that a player have lots of choice. If the the player wants to risk holding out for a Tiger that should be their decision. With the CP increase they will be punished accordingly.
- Increasing the pop cap of heavy tanks would have no effect on the timing of a heavy tank call in.
- Increasing the fuel draw for fielding heavy tanks would have no effect on the timing of a heavy tank call in.