Cunningham's simple orders versus overcomplicated command

Walking Stick's complex plans provoke Alex Clarke to question how the fictional officer reached high command. He compares the character's multiple converging operations with Andrew Cunningham's ability to give individual forces simple tasks within a busy overall operation. The fictional plans demand more coordination and support than their commander can manage. Glynn Stewart explains that Walking Stick wants to overawe the enemy as well as defeat it. Clarke favors keeping a large fleet concentrated and striking objectives in sequence, so opponents must face its full strength. Stewart adds that the character's dispersed, converging operations also serve the story, and both acknowledge that narrative constraint.