@weddingsinger said in Why is Taranto raid so popular?:
@JDOW
I’m inclined to say I disagree with you about the UK ships being more precious.
The UK’s ships are incredibly useful BUT not necessarily required for creating opportunities. Italy’s ships are desperately needed in order for them to expand. Thus, if you’re able to trade the UK’s fleet for Italy’s the net result is a push for UK and Italy, but Italy only makes 10-15 ipcs and stays there. The UK can continue to expand into the middle east or piggy back the U.S. fleet in the Atlantic.
Taranto leaves Italy 1 transport and few warships vs the 92stack leaves Italy 2 transports and most of its fleet.
I think what you describe is one of the key reasons, why many people struggle with the Allies: Too much focus on the med and middle East and not showing enough dedication to establish a strong position in 110, EARLY!
And as said, Taranto is an ok option but it should certainly not be made at 70% odds, risking to lost and to allow Italy to absorb a hit for free with the BB that repairs automatically.
However, IF someone wants to show dedication to remove any Italian influence in the med, there are more efficient ways to blow the Italian fleet away entirely. Italy can’t do anything in case UK is focusing on crushing the Italian fleet.
Axis might try to prevent this but it would require German support with eg airbases or fighter to equip Italian carriers. Things Germans usually don’t want to do as it distracts from the real and only enemy in the first 6 turns, which is Russia.
However, focusing on the med too much always comes with the price to relieve Germans from pressure on Normandy and Norway which is very good for them.
One key in successful Allied strategy is to establish a position in 110 BEFORE the Germans manage to push the Russians off Bryansk. This is the squeeze, Germans must face: Either pushing Russians back and sending the planes in range of Bry or risk the Allies to establish a beachhead in Normandy or Norway.
So in the end, Taranto or not, Allies need fleet AND Air, AND transports in order to establish a position in 110. If they lose too many ships and planes due to Taranto, the mission is harder.
Additionally: The 92 move requires some experience in the balancing act to not lose Egypt early. Losing Egypt carelessly is a nail in the coffin for the Allies.
So there is certainly a downside and UK needs to be aware of a couple of details. I would go too far to explore them all but there are plenty of nuances in G1, and J1 and UK1 that affect how good or less good Taranto or stacking 92 is.