There are lots of different discussions going on, and there are lots of misconceptions. First, no one wants to force anyone to use either 3D models or counters, they want an option to use either. Second, no one wants to force anyone to only use NATO symbols, they only want the option to use the NATO symbols if they want. Third, there is no second issue, as the option to use NATO symbols is already confirmed to be in the game. So, as far as the use of symbols is concerned, PDX has made everybody happy.
As an aside, we call them NATO symbols, but they were originally developed by the US Army Corps of Engineers for military maps drawn before and during the time frame of the game. Here is a map prepared by US observers of the Italo-Abyssinia war in 1936 (right at the time of the start of the game):
So, although called NATO symbols, they are not anachronistic and very much from the time period. Also, old grognards like me used to play war games in the 70's and 80's that used the NATO and old Army Corps of Engineer symbols. It is what we are used to and it makes us happy for sentimental reasons. However, as I said, they are in and everyone should be happy. Yeah!
However, that is not what most people on these forums are referring to when they ask if there are going to be NATO counters. Most people on these forums say NATO counters to refer to the stackable square counters used in Hoi3 to be the on map representation of each division. Those Hoi3 counters could use NATO or any other kind of symbol on them. It was not the symbol, but the counter that was important. It provided more clear information at a glance.
Stackable Hoi3-like counters are NOT going to be an option in HoiIV and that is what all the brouhaha is about. Here is a picture of Hoi3 counters in my mod:
There is a ton of information there that can easily be unpack just at a glance. The USA has a very impressive All MECH army with maxed out strength statistics! From just the height of the stacks (that you can easily judge at just a glance), you can see where you have a concentration of divisions and where your line is too thin. This is not perfect, as it does not tell you the composition of the stacks (you would have to mouse over and look at the tool tip to get the exact composition), but it gives you a rough idea -- without having to even think to decipher a number or do simple math -- you just get a feel from the height of the stacks. You will not be able to get that feel from the HoiIV 3D model and mini-counter. The mini-counter will have numbers of divisions on it in numerical form, but that will require your mind to read all those little numbers in each separate province and make a mental comparison. That will require a lot more mind work than glancing at the map and immediately recognizing the height of the stacks. -- Oh, I have only one division in Mainz, but it is behind a river -- no problem. Also at a glance, you can see that the Big Red One and another USA division are moving into Essen, and the 35th National Guard division and two other divisions are out of supply or fuel. Other flags or banners could easily be added to designate training, changing templates, in need of equipment, or whatever.
And with these Hoi3 counters there is no need to be limited to NATO symbols. Check out the Italian fascist militia CCNN divisions. They have cool specialized symbols with bundled fasces, just like their cool black shirts.
Maybe it is just what some of us are used to, but our brains are trained to rapidly unpack all of the subtle information conveyed in the above map and are not looking forward to having to retrain our brains to unpack this nightmare:
