[PatG]

Under average visibility conditions, most units can see into 1 hex of forest so if you were moving along the tree line - you may not be in full cover. I will generally move 1 hex in from the edge of the woods then do a 1 hex move into the edge to peek around.

Yes it does pay to manually make your scouts look around. If you are really paranoid check each scout several times per turn.

In your purchase phase, look at the map - it will tell you where the enemy FEBA or forward deployment line is. Note a couple of landmarks so you can identify the line later. In an assault, you can usually waltz right up to that line with your whole force without contact (depending on sight lines of course), in a meeting engagement, you will have to be more careful. Scout forward from this line.

To my knowledge, your tanks can't be heard by your opponent so if they are out of sight they are out of earshot.

You were spotted by SS, I believe an earlier thread on spotting 88's discussed the effects of quality and morale on spotting. Basicly higher morale higher quality troops spot better. You would have had better results against Volksgrenadiers. The revers is true too, as your boys get experience sneaky peteing around, they will spot better and be harder to spot - so keep your scouts out of fire fights but remember to grab any easy end game kills to boost their experience.

Do your map recce first and consider where you set up if you were the enemy. Consider too your opponent and the mission and the points value involved. All of this will give you information before you even start. Adjust your plan accordingly. Lead with the scouts to find any surprises but keep your main force reasonably close behind.

Armoured cars, motorcycles and even foot scouts can be used for deep penetration. Use them to chew up his arty park but they are also handy to report on reinforcements moving in his rear areas - turn their range down so they stay hidden. If your oponnent is a low morale nation, kill the HQ if you can find it.

Finally, if you really want to do a full recce, crank up the number of turns.