I haven't read the entire thread yet, I will after I post. Sorry if this sounds like bitching. I know many of you are very protective of your beloved game, and I mean no disrespect from my comments. I simply would like to see more people playing, and enjoying this mod for years to come. My thanks and respect for the devs, admins, and servers that run this game!
I think to make the game have more appeal the devs really need to look at player feedback (especially the 'noobs' and casual players).
One complaint I have heard is that the game is too 'slow-paced'. I am not sure what was meant by others saying this, but IMO that is one area that could use improvement. For me, I get really tired of wasting a bunch of play time looking for ammo. It is very often hard to find, or just non-existent. I do not see a huge problem with making ammo more readily available in most cases for both infantry and vehicles. Marking the ammo locations on minimap would be a huge improvement too. Another aspect that really slows down the game is searching/waiting for certain pick-up kits. It is hard, or impossible to be a good squad leader, or member if you have to keep spawning at main or certain flag for a certain kit. I would also like to see the quantity of pick up kits increased, like they were on some of the 'Wacht Am Rhein' maps. Having several pick-up kits available at each flag really allows you to change your game to suit the battle. Kit limits really mess up the game too, when your S/L asks you to spawn with A/T kit (for example) and none are available. I really doubt it's possible, but I would like to see a weapon unlock system or system closer to BF3, where you get to pick your kit from available weapons and tools. I do not buy the argument that without kit limits everyone will run around with an MG or SMG. It didn't happen in FH1, and it doesn't happen in FH2 when kits aren't as limited. Often, I am trying to take a kit, and the only ones available are MP40 and MG42. I dislike kit-limits in general, as it takes away from a players choice of how to play his game. Every round is different, and I like the ability to change my game according to how the battle unfolds.
This brings me to another thing I think could be improved. FH2 maps compared to FH1 maps are much more linear. By that, I mean they have a much more set path to follow. FH1 maps were almost completely open, and you could move around almost any point, and flank from any side. FH2 maps seem to have a lot more choke-points, walls, mountains etc that prevent you from making a creative attack when you can't defeat an enemy head-on. Or a lack of cover for infantry to move under. To me, that was one reason Battlefield 1942, and FH1 were such a huge hit for so long. They really allowed the player to pick the type of game he wanted to play with almost complete freedom. The more freedom and choices that are taken away from the player, the more we become like 'bots' or players of some scripted single-player.
As for map choices, it's a big complaint of mine, but I also realize that many people love the maps I hate, and vice-versa. One thing I believe needs addressing though is 762's map rotation. Maybe I just have s**t luck and timing, and my gameplay would definitely attest to that, but why do we always get about 3-5 desert maps to 1 non-desert? I really hate the African campaign maps, but I have finally found something to do on most of them. I can usually sit through one map I don't like when there's a good one coming next, but it seems like every time I join 762 about 50-75% of the map rotation is desert maps. Then, when an epic map like St. Vith comes out, it's almost never played, and rarely when there's a full server to really enjoy it. I would at least like to see a map rotation that alternates between the different theaters to keep the variety.