Dante Kretschmer wrote:This are great ideas indeed.
The fact that we can always call a warbarge OB makes the OB itself less awesome because of repetition. Giving total control of that feature to EvE pilots is definetly a step forward in improving the EvE/Dust link.
FW OB are the most troublesome. I favor the idea that the best should be the ones calling the strikes. However, in order to make every eligible squad leader have a chance, you could generate a random number between 0 and 1, and assing each SL an interval (chance) based on total WP, so the ones with more WP have a greater chance to earn the strike. Say the best squad leader will have the interval [0, 1/2], the second (1/2,1/2+1/3] and the third and subsequent squads will have equal chances in the interval (1/2+1/3, 1].
These are just figures, i'd probably give the best squad leader more than 1/2.
For PC battles let us handle ourselves.
This is a simple idea, easy to implement, and some tweaking required at the numbers, but much more than making a contract system for orbitals
Why not just let the squad commanders get the OBs as they are now and whomever calls it in first gets it to encourage full squads to form in support of FW? Right now, we rarely see a full cohesive squad from the same alliance much less corp form on the opposing lines.
The problem with FW battles at this point is there isnt enough reward to encourage corps to really get involved and build up full squads consistently. Our FW ground teams rarely have issues getting OB support from FW pilots as we work specifically with our FW allies to coordinate with them and make it happen.
If your corp is struggling to get OB support in FW join VTS Pub channel and ask for a diplo and we will help you find FW corps to coordinate with even if they are on the opposing side.
In the mean time working some mathematical formula for something which is already suffering from a lack of manpower only puts a mechanic in place for the sympton and isnt the answer for what the root problem is. If anything it will further discourage cohesive team play. Make FW rewards for fighting in the battles more interesting and you will see more full squads and fight the wars.