Wargamer, I understand what you are saying. The "problem" with defending Bastogne at all costs,in every situation, is that if you see 15 pips of armour assembled in Clerveaux on Dec 16th, Bastogne will fall and all of the units inside it will die provided the axis attacks you first impulse...

I presume that you mean giving up Verviers and Bastogne?

In that case I agree, however, I would also add:

4) Not giving up Bastogne (and thereby being cut-off and dying shortly thereafter).