[ASLML] A7.353 - IFP/SW limits (was: disappearing DRM...)

[Tate Rogers]

On Wed, 03 Dec 2003 23:19:57 -0800
  Jim McLeod <jmmcleod at mb.sympatico.ca> wrote:
>Listerz;
>
>Tate Rogers wrote:
>
>> It is exactly what the rule says if one pays very close attention to the
>> punctuation. The problem is that most people (i.e., like myself) don't pay
>> very close attention to the punctuation. The part about "adjacent units" is
>> totally unneeded since the rules for SFF, FPF, and FF are all very clear. 
>
>I disagree Tate.  That "part" is the essence of the rule.  The fire
>options given in the EXC: can only be used versus adjacent units, which
>is what the rule says, Bruce's opinion and the Q&A notwithstanding.

SFF can be used vs none adjacent units. You can't simply ignore the 
punctuation. A coma indicates separation of items. Actually, to match your 
interpretation the rule should read:
"...Subsequent First Fire (8.3)[EXC: adjacent units only], FPF (8.31), and 
Final Fire (8.4)..."

Note that the rules section for each option are referenced which tells me that 
in each case (i.e., SFF, FPF, Final) the rules for those type fire options are 
still fully in play.

>If the rule were meant to say what the Q&A ruled, the rule could have
>been written in a far simpler manner with no need of an EXC: to the rule
>at all.  However, the rule says quite a bit and the "adjacent units"
>part is critical.

The rule doesn't say much at all considering it is all of one sentence.

The "adjacent units" part is totally superfluous. All the rule is saying is 
that units marked First Fire still have the same options for IFP/SW usage on 
SFF, FPF, and Final Fire. All the other rules that effect those fire options 
(i.e., sustained fire, target limits, etc) remain in play. It isn't trying to 
change any rule that applies to the three fire options but rather simply 
restates that the IFP/SW option [SQUAD = (IFP + SW) or (SW x 2); HS = IFP or 
SW] applies (as allowed by the rules for SFF, FPF, & Final) for each separate 
shot. The units don't loose their IFP/SW options merely due to being marked 
First Fire [EXC: per the rules for SFF, FPF, & Final Fire].

Consider something else, if, as you say, the "adjacent units" part applies to 
all three then this rule (as you interpret it) is saying FPF, SFF, & Final 
couldn't be used against a same location unit. You can't have it both ways. If 
the "adjacent units" part suddenly changes SFF to adjacent only then it 
changes all three...or none.

>You'll have to excuse me now Tate but I'm off to torment Bruce P. some
>more.

Good hunting my friend!

Later-

Tater (One Mean Spud!)