Yeah, I can get that the current Axis bombers would be more comparible to Allied medium bombers. In fact, Germany deliberatly stayed with medium-sized bombers because they only thought of war against neighboring states so had no need for a long-range strategic bomber and many more medium bombers could be built for the same price. That tactic served them well until they invaded the Soviet Union and the Soviets moved their heavy industry behind the Ural mountains. Then Germany needed a longer ranged bomber but didn’t really have one, at least not out of the prototype stage.
I think all the Axis countries did have either prototype versions or at least plans for long-range heavy bombers. I think that we should have a corresponding game piece to represent those planes so that Germany, Japan and Italy could possibly get those bombers for gaming purposes. Also, I think that there should be medium bombers for all the Allied countries so they would match the Axis types. At the start of the game, ALL countries should just have the medium bombers and can get heavy bombers later in the game – either by graduating into them or as a tech. Historically, both sides started with medium bombers, but the Allies worked more to increasing to heavy bombers while the Germans kind of slipped behind. By the way, just my vote, the Fw 200 Kondor for the German Heavy Bomber piece.
I’m not sure about having bombers only hit @2. That seems to be too weak. I do understand your thoughts on TAC bombers being more precise therefore hitting better than regular bombers. How about TACs @4 and regular/strat bombers @3? I like the idea of heavy bombers rolling 2 dice, but ONLY if you count BOTH dice. So, if you have a heavy bomber and roll two 3s, you get two hits and destroy 2 enemy units. None of this “roll 2 dice and choose the best result” crap. I hate that rule! Rolling 1 dice @3 for medium bombers sounds good too.
One other thing regarding heavy bombers; I don’t think it necessarily needs to be a tech, especially if we get medium bomber pieces. I know it’s on the tech charts currently, but I imagine that could be changed. Perhaps medium bombers could cost 12 and heavys cost 15-18. This way we could have both types on the board. Plus, if you start with medium bombers and get the “Heavy Bombers” tech, it would seem kind of silly to replace all the medium bombers you already have with heavy ones. Again, maybe that tech could be changed to something else and heavy bombers would be a new piece to add to the game along with medium bombers. I think there would still be a place for medium bombers as heavy bombers would be a fair amount more expensive.