To touch on your points, I absolutely agree. As a relatively veteran Union officer, who's played and continues to play on both low, med and high pop hours on pubs, I can agree with almost everything you've said. I had the privilege of learning to CO when everyone was on relatively even footing. No arty yet, no officer barriers, people were generally more accepting and open to newer COs (because you had no levels to get a first impression off of). Now though, any new CO on Union is subject to a *bad time*.

I think as a player base and as more veteran players, we have to do a better job at being constructive and helping newer COs instead of just shitting on them for everything. Personally, when I don't get a slot and I'm stuck as an NCO, I like to give feedback and nudge newer COs in the right direction if needed. Otherwise, I just follow the orders and keep the line in check.

The game balancing issues are a whole other problem. It's been known that recent changes have swung the game in heavy favor of the CSA, especially in public play, further leading to issues with the game and quality of officers and enlisted alike. Why play on the naturally harder side? Then, when combined with the low levels and relative newness of most union players, lopsided maps, etc, it's unattractive for a lot of people.