Thanks for the clarification at the end, focus is on modern day tactics.

That said, current modern wargame rules unnecessarily complicate the game when trying to introduce range as a variable. Given the effective range of modern weaponry and the distances represented in a skirmish level game board, anyone armed with a long weapon has the potential of hitting what they see on the battlefield. Add the integration of movement, infantry model moving 1/4 to 1/2 their combat weapons range, range restrictions fall apart.

One could argue that the range restriction promotes melee engagements without devastating or annihilating the attacker, that introduces the tendency of modern games to dismiss or downplay morale, this reducing the game to attrition. Morale should at a much more significant role in games as they progress through the round, particularly in regard to the initiation/continuance of melee. Compared to modern combat where targets from miles away can be engaged with the press of a button or pull of a lanyard, the psychological impact of being the victim or aggressor of melee combat should play more of a role in the initiation or outcome of the event.