[ASLML] Similar to the J74 question but to do with SS ELR and blurry rules.

[Peter Manger]

Hi all,

Simiilar to the little discussion going on about J74, I've faced a
similar problem in 105 Going to Church.  At least similar in what I
call a "blurry line" definition.

The ELR of SS is 5 by virtue of their underlined morale.  The ELR
stated on the SS OB is 4.  So my opponent and I think they mean that
for all of the OB so check for errata/Q&A and find none.  Couldn't
find any, so I play as the rule is written - they have 5 ELR (the 4 is
probably a minor tweak for the leaders).  So I ask the question
anyway, "do the SS MMCs have an ELR of 4?".  The response suprised me!

The response, after a little discussion, leads me to conclude a new
rule.  The ELR of an OB that contains underlined morale unit takes on
the ELR printed UNLESS there are other units in the OB that could in
fact have the lower ELR - thereby giving the underlined morale unit
back the 5 ELR.

Apparently there are other scenarios around with a lower ELR for SS
printed on the card.  I do not know off the top of my head any, but I
seem to recall always reading SSR clarifying the ELR situation.

The trouble with this "new rule" is it gives no clear boundary.  Do
SMCs count as other units?  AFV?  Was it a mistake?  We can't second
guess this so must play as the rules are printed.

The rule book is very clear about underlined morale.  To me it is even
suggestive of the idea that an SSR needs to lower underlined morale
units ELR, and even needs to clarify if quality is lost the underlined
morale way (splitting into HSs), or the stepping down the quality
ladder way.

ASL is a game of explicit definitions, and when a "vague" notion is
thrown at us (well me anyway), I can only go by what the explicit
definition is.  It is the only fair thing to do.

Peter Manger