[B.T.]

Some very good points here. Espacially kcdusk's post gave me to think!

I allways thought, that the towns would have a valid interest in showing their attitude. So the idea of a white flag isn't dumb at all. Even the towns have an interest to get in contact with the "rest of the world". The townsfolk may be interested in barter or information or rumours about other places. Or the inhabitants of a settlement, farmyard, or small town may like to know, who is around.

In my T2k-universe some towns have some kind of patrols send out by themselves. This may be a small hunting group. Or maybe a small group of citizen, who try to hold contact to neighboring settlements or nearby military units, to get information about what is happening (These could even act as some kind of irregular postal service.). And, off course, traders. Traders could be the inhabitants of one settlement, trading spare parts from the shut down local tractor plant with the potatos from the village down the old road. Or traders could be the more adventurous guys (and gals), roamimg the land and make a living out of lange range trade.

I allways thought, that this kind of trading party would be a very reliable source, when it comes to the question, if a certain spot on the map is of value. Something like: "Americans, don't go to Szadel. The locals are really pissed and will try to jail you and hand you over to the Soviet commander!"
Or: "If you came to Krotoszyn, visit my old pal Lewandowsky. He knows, who needs what and will help you."

Obviously an encounter could be the more interesting for the players. And if they find a way to earn the traders trust/confidence this could be worth the trader's weight in gold, sotospeak.

On the other hand: The question, if those traders are trustworthy is something, that has to be checked. Encounters can get the more interesting. And actual ROLE-PLAYING may be more imprtant in these situations, than military planning.