The closest comparison is the "Peggy" at 10 points. Compared to the Peggy this a 12 pointer.
Both 1944
Francis is +2 bombs +1 point (maybe 1.5) Francis has range 1 torpedo attack +1 point (arguably 1.5 to 2) Francis can make sacrifice kamikaze attack +0.5?
Peggy has Light Defensive Armament - 1 point
My problem is I have never used Peggy or seen it used. It is probably a point overcost. The bomb attack of 6 is just below what I would want to have against cruisers or carriers, and almost useless against battleships. The bump to bomb 8 on the Francis is a pretty big deal IMO. With 8 die it is very good against cruisers and carriers and has "a chance" of even hitting a BB. The Range 1 torpedo attack is even more powerful. The optional kamikaze attack is probably a half-point of whipped cream on top.
I have a suggestion for modifying "Harass from a Distance" to be properly used on a Patrol Bomber which cannot benefit from "Expert Torpedoes" anyway. I was wrong when answering the question above that the ranged torpedo attack would drop to a "1." The only limitation is not being able to benefit from Expert Torpedoes.
Harass From a Distance - This unit's Torpedo attack has range 1. When this unit makes a range 1 attack, it can't benefit from the Expert Torpedoes ability.
Ranged Torpedo Attack - This unit's Torpedo attack has range 1. This unit rolls one less attack die when making Torpedo attacks at range 1.
The IJN Carrier Liberation Force - "Because We Care" Join the IJNCVLF. Service Guarantees Citizenship!
Okay, let’s get a pow wow on Harass from a Distance.
By itself it can’t benefit from Expert Torpedoes. On the Wizards clarification it’s also excluded from Scout Planes. That just leaves Shadowing to bump it up to 2.
On Jill the main attack is 3/1 on a squadron of torpedo bombers. This one is already 2 torpedoes in sector and so it should also be just 1 torpedo at range 1.
The way the SA is set up now you can roll 1 die at range 1, or 2 dice if you are using Shadowing. No more.
Okay, let’s get a pow wow on Harass from a Distance.
By itself it can’t benefit from Expert Torpedoes. On the Wizards clarification it’s also excluded from Scout Planes. That just leaves Shadowing to bump it up to 2.
On Jill the main attack is 3/1 on a squadron of torpedo bombers. This one is already 2 torpedoes in sector and so it should also be just 1 torpedo at range 1.
The way the SA is set up now you can roll 1 die at range 1, or 2 dice if you are using Shadowing. No more.
So are you okay with Ranged Torpedo Attack? 12 pts?
The IJN Carrier Liberation Force - "Because We Care" Join the IJNCVLF. Service Guarantees Citizenship!
Okay, let’s get a pow wow on Harass from a Distance.
By itself it can’t benefit from Expert Torpedoes. On the Wizards clarification it’s also excluded from Scout Planes. That just leaves Shadowing to bump it up to 2.
On Jill the main attack is 3/1 on a squadron of torpedo bombers. This one is already 2 torpedoes in sector and so it should also be just 1 torpedo at range 1.
The way the SA is set up now you can roll 1 die at range 1, or 2 dice if you are using Shadowing. No more.
Sorry I'm at a disadvantage here i have a 2010 clarification that says other wise and it is not written on the SA's so i think that can be argued all day
unless agreed before play.
Using the word squadron is not changing the fact most PB's are at a 2 die torpedo;; so an attack at range one, you are getting a substantial benefit. No Abort
Along with 5 armor 8 vital against AA thats a big deal!! a 8 die Bomb roll puts you in the arena of a low end Dive Bomber the [UK doesn't have one] and there aren't many
5-8-1 PB's in the game.
Having;; EE a Ranged TT, Survivability and a good shot on putting a BOMB hurt on DD's, AUX's and most CA's is a pretty good deal for 12pts.
For what ever its worth 12 pts is a high end limit for PB's in my strange world;; this one to me and just my opinion pushes that.
If you want it to parallel Harass from a Distance, it would be something like
Ranged Torpedo Attack - This unit's Torpedo attack has range 1. When this unit makes a range-1 Torpedo attack, it can’t benefit from the Scout Planes ability.