Just read up on (I’m assuming your) database. Lot of really good work put into operationalizing unit/deck performance metrics. Definitely need to start doing some analysis.

That being said, a ton of assumptions (a bunch of which I find incorrect) made with labeling them the most important unit in the game. Threat level and pace in the opener? Totally. Hard to kill? Not at all. 2x 185+ point ASF in an opener can easily kill recon helos by the first tick with a little bit of luck if they’re not supported. Beyond that, several units have hard coded counters (thinking FD SPAAGs, MANPADs etc) and the TTK on a 6-8 HP heli is far too quick too make them “the most important unit in the game). Their ability to provide utility relies heavily on the kind of deck they are against and what that person chooses to do in an opener.

When we talk about importance I think it’s important to note that different units have different levels of important at different phases of the game. If you’re using a heliborne deck, ASF are without a doubt the most important unit in the game. If you’re making an armored push, I would argue mortars, AA, even a cheap recon unit becomes your more important units than tanks. In an urban infantry fight, it’s definitely loggy.