And further down the spiral path of sophomorism we go. From a forum clientelle that (for the most part) were precise in their arguments to this:
One has to love the internet genre that will take as fact improperly footnoted quotes of (supposed) quotes from books (that may or may not exist). If the quotes were legit, they more than likely break every copyright law known to the free world. The internets.....<sigh>
In all seriousness, some here apparently didn't played RO in its heyday, or perhaps, have found RO in recent times and have spent the majority of their time on a mod of retail RO. (And clearly haven't spent enough time with the ingame Mosin or Kar.)
-on to the topic at hand-
I like the gritty no-nonense approach to footsoldier-tactical-fps-warfare that RO brings. Fancy uniforms, gun options, perks etc. are ,imo, out of place in the style and ambiance that is RO. War is not pretty or about "looking good". War is about making use of whatever is at your disposal to kill your enemy and walking away from the encounter. I would think that the historical battle for Stalingrad in particular bears that out.
I'm of the opinion that rifle wraps, camo, etc. for the marksman/sharpshooter/sniper class are more of detraction to the RO game than the asset. I can't help but chuckle at the ghillie suited snipers running the urban streets of CoD.
Using (God help me) the information provided in some of the links above and in regards to the sniper vs designated marksman debate, I can't help but notice that no-one is harping on the fact that the sniper class (as depicted) would require TWO persons to properly fill it. Logic would dictate that there should also be a seperate "spotter" class. However, those roles could be handled somewhat akin to the current tanker roles. i.e. not a requirement to use the class, but there.
I have no qualms with individual maps dictating what roles are/are not available. (i.e much like EvilHobo's Kreigstadt maps that have no snipers or smoke.) However, should TWI convince themselves that the uniform/camo/wrap options for the scoped marksman class are a requirement for financial success, then matching the gear to the map should be paramount. And further, as it is a limited class and weapon, the scoped rifle should disappear upon the death of the person occupying the class and not be available for the general public to pick up. (Yes, Virginia, you respawn with it). Same should hold true for all specialty classes (mg's, etc.).
Floyd < your mileage will vary >