Elite Replace all core units (during deployment)

[tripecac]

Is there a shortcut for applying elite replacements and/or overstrengths to all units during the deployment phase?

It's a bit cumbersome to have to go through all the units and max them out again.

[Kerensky]

I like to use the hold down Shift+R and click each unit I want to fully elite. Long as you hold down Shift+R, all you need to do is click.

[tripecac]

Is there ever a time you don't want to max out units during deployment, assuming you have plenty of prestige?

[Kerensky]

I would definitely say yes, especially during a full play through of the DLC Grand Campaign.

[robman]

Is there ever a time you don't want to max out units during deployment, assuming you have plenty of prestige?

In the new rules, overstrengthening gets more expensive with each point, and the total prestige embedded in your deployed core counts against the prestige you earn during the scenario. I'm not sure how the math works, exactly, but the goal is to provide an incentive to get the job done as cheaply as possible. I assume that only deployed units count, not those left in reserve, so someone correct me if I'm wrong.

I don't think the new rules change the benefits of elite vs. green reinforcements up to 10 (again, somebody correct me if I'm wrong). Even so, "elite reinforcing everybody up to 10" may not always be my choice. Here are a few examples:

(1) I bought a green but expensive unit in the previous scenario--say, a fighter or heavy tank--and it got clobbered, losing most of its strength before earning much experience. Elite reinforcements will cost several hundred points but will raise the unit's experience from, say, 17 to 28. Not worth it. I buy green and hope for better luck this time.

(2) I captured a medium tank in the previous scenario early enough to do some fighting with it, so it lost a few strength points. I'm not sure if I want to keep using it and (perhaps) eventually upgrade it to my side's armor, or disband it and take the prestige. I decide to put off the decision and so do not deploy or reinforce the unit, elite or green. If I decide to cash it in for prestige, I will get the same award, regardless of how many strength points it has.

(3) Variation on #2: I have accumulated several AA and recon units. Some took damage in the previous scenario. They are becoming increasingly ineffective as aircraft and armor grow more powerful, and gain spotting heroes. I decide not to deploy them this time. Not sure if I'm ready to disband them, though. I opt to leave them unreinforced.

[patriot14]

Taranto Raid is a great example to not waste prestige pre-scenario because you don't use any of your core unless you have fighters. If you have a good feel for the upcoming scenarios, you can avoid wasting prestige. I am now curious, however, if that is the PERFECT time overstrength so you use the scenario prestige before heading into the next battle????

[robman]

I certainly wouldn't overstrengthen a unit that I'm not planning to deploy right away. Beyond that, I'm not sure what the optimum overstrengthening policy is any longer--the old rules no longer apply, so I am experimenting as I go along. At this point, I'm giving every unit one extra strength point, but exercising caution beyond that. Artillery units are a good candidate for 2+ because they don't get knocked down easily, at least not with proper protection. Infantry and recon are (I think) also good candidates for 2+ because they are very cheap and DO get knocked down easily. Armor and air units are relatively expensive AND get knocked down easily--at least, the British ones do, early in the war--so they are the hardest call.