" the firepower and the ability to use it to destroy many people's lives and property is not so evenly distributed by any means".

So, when has war, which this seems to be, ever been about matching one side's distructive power (or advantage) with the other sides?

Could it be that some Mudfolks are mixing war up with sport, where rules are set to make a match more fair and interesting for the observer/supporter.

While not pleasent, historically conflict, globally, has been and is about distruction, injury and death. One side normally has an upper hand and prevails, in one way or another...at least temporarily. Sounds callous, but war and conflict is just that.

While I always sympathize with civilians during military conflicts, they are always hit hard. At times, even their own forces use their plight for propaganda.