Wow, great tips, Jason C.! Especially the part about the "seams" and the number of tiles needed for cover. Guess I need to check the scenario editor to see how big a tile is but that's exactly the kind of CM-peculiar info I was seeking. Thanks!
Those "contours" you mentioned. I assume you find those with the grid mod? And are the "seams" you refer to those subtle edges you sometimes see along ridgelines in open terrain areas? (I don't immediately recall seeing them as well in wooded areas, but maybe they are visible there, too?)
As for using infantry as a screen for tanks, yes, that is well-documented in the manual and elsewhere. I was primarily referring to cases where no infantry is at hand. However, in my case it never hurts to hear the lesson again. And again! (It's embarrassing how often I have been seduced into sending my tanks charging into the fray in quest of quick glory, only to meet with multiple metalic bonfires.)
Again, thanks, all, for this great input. I can now take on that formerly all-seeing, all-knowing, X-ray vision-equipped AI with new confidence! :cool: