Understanding Unit Expectations

There's a poker term called Variance. Oh, I know I used card game strategies before to illustrate war games, but I think it is an important concept to keep. Variance is akin to the scientific method. Essentially, you strive to make the best play with the resources you're given. This is what makes Batman and Infinity have tactical prominence in a strategy-laden genre. I've touched up on the concept previously a few times, but I'll try to be precise in my meaning.

Variance is being disciplined with your choices.  For example, if you've got a good hand then you play it as a good hand. If it is bad, then toss it away. You try not to ride emotional highs by "playing on tilt". This sounds good in theory but I'm sure you've been frustrated by seeing Snake Eyes in your games or having an opponent Crit through your entire force. This could have you make bad decisions, perhaps having you listen to Bruce with your next few plays. The original idea of Variance is that if you have a good hand and you lose to a bad hand, you don't superstitiously begin to love or hate a hand. Statistically, your hand would beat theirs, so in future situations to stick to your guns.

That's the problem with humans. We tend to remember outliers instead of expectations.  The beauty of Infinity and Batman is that every model has a shot at taking out any other model. Sure, Keisotsu can fell an Avatar or Pavilions can solo Bane but it is unlikely. Models have specific tasks that they're designed for. If your model "constantly lets you down", I think you should take a step back and see if you're using your models incorrectly. Evaluate your expectations.

It is quite possible you've got yourself a Roller Coaster Model. I understand, you just wanted a pewter miniature, not a thrilling ride that requires hours of standing about prior to excitement. You should not be surprised if your 30 point model is unable to fell a 150 point model, unless that is exactly what they're designed to do. Perhaps the model requires more studying, hence the roller coaster ride, but I think a simple, honest analysis without Bruce-interference could be incredibly helpful.

Whenever you get stomped, your gut reaction is to say that you've lost.  The only way to improve is take stock of the failed unit or tactic but also with understanding of what your opponent fielded. You need to know what they fielded against your force.  It can be as easy as learning that they fielded "Rock" to your "Scissors". Your models do not exist in a vacuum, you need to understand what they are in comparison to your foe's composition.   The expectation of a unit's operation is based off of all your insights, evaluate them so that the correct plays are being made which will surely control your variance.