@Pacific:
For HBG to achieve their goal of replacing the OOB units, each nation needs at a minimum:
Land:
-Infantry
-Artillery
-Tanks
-Self Propelled Artillery
-Mechanized Infantry/Armored Car
Air:
-Fighters
-Bombers
-Dive Bombers OR Torpedo Bombers OR Light Bomber (Sculpt would depend on nation)
-Air Transport
Sea:
-Fleet Carrier
-Light Carrier
-Battleship
-Cruiser
-Destroyer
-Submarine
-Transport
If you are talking about a minimum for OOB replacement, then we would have a 1-1 sculpt count… Meaning, if it is not an OOB sculpt, it is not included in this list. Which is why I would say that you should not include SP Artillery, Air Transports and Heavy/Light (Anything) Carriers.
It is really just a technicality. I do want these units, but they should not be labeled under OOB replacement; especially if this were to be offered under an “OOB Replacement” title.
You could make an argument for tech upgrade related items, such as advanced artillery, jet fighters and paratroopers (air transport?) be included as OOB replacement sculpts, but light carriers, self-propelled artillery and “heavy” tanks are not in the equation.
@Pacific:
IMO this formula is the most efficient and will yield the best results both economically and from a gaming perspective. It would also provide consistency (which is perhaps the most important factor) throughout the entire range of nations being offered.
That is really what I was looking for as a customer: consistency and understanding of the system by which pieces are chosen for inclusion in a set.
It is HBGs choice how to organize their product line. If that means random, then it is random; if that means formulaic, then there is a format. Ultimately, as long as the pieces are produced, diverse and good quality, it doesn’t matter to me how HBG organizes their offerings. It would be nice to have a somewhat standard way, just so everyone’s expectations are based on what HBG intends. And so that we are not asking for the moon when it is really not financially prudent, not enough demand or it does not fit in with the stated production philosophy. As long as the customers (pseudo-developers) and the company have the same assumptions, people should not be upset or confused.