[kendo65]

I've never really bought into the argument that sees COD's current graphical failings as being due to the unavoidable necessity of balancing out its under-the-hood computational complexity with sub-par or toned down graphics.

This view typically categorises COD as being alone in a class of complexity that far surpasses any other game/sim out there. I'm not sure this is true. But the assumption is never really challenged.

It also assumes that the current graphical issues are due to deliberate intent on the part of the developers rather than being down to error and elements being unfinished - ie the same reasons that have produced problems in other areas of the game as well.

I tend to go for the second argument. I don't believe in the 'necessary trade-off' interpretation.