I’ve played BF2 with some bots the other day, and I must say that it stays chaotic at best.
The commander has interesting options, but I think that those are not necessary in ET gameplay. There are only a few objectives at a time, while BF 2 needs defence all over the map.
The original topic was “competitive play”. In clan play, you pretty much need someone calling the shots, regardless of whether the game supports a “commander” role or not. ISTR SD has previously stated that they considered a commander and decided against it.
I’ve only pubbed bf2, so I have no idea how that works out in clan play, but on pubs, the commander role is a bit hit or miss. A good commander can make a big difference, both by doing things that only commanders can do (arty, supply drops, UAV etc.) and directing attacks.
As commander in BF2, I have coms to all squad leaders who subsequently direct their squad members. Regarding public play, verbal communication via VOIP makes a HUGE difference. I doubt SD will include VOIP in ET:QW but I sincerly hope they do. Feel free to get on BF2Nation.co.uk -Annihilation server- and get in my squad (when I’m not commander). You’ll see a VAST difference in gameplay.
In fact, I think all FPS’s should include in game coms. imo.
Unfortunately, the best commanders in BF2 are dedicated (non combat) ones who simply stay within the command screen throughout the match. I’m glad SD decided against this.
Thinking about it, (kicking myself) there’s a reason Battlefied 2 doesn’t support other game modes. I believe it’s because it would render the commander and squad structure obsolete as the player WILL have direct objectives to carry out and will require much less assistance regarding the outcome of the match…
Bah. Just use TeamSpeak. I dunno wat’s the fuss about including VoIP in games. I certainly do not wish to hear some teen boy screaming at me in pub games. 
I’m 31 
90% of people who use BF2N’s public coms are out of their teens. You usually find the “young 'uns” dont use coms because they’re to embarassed or shy. I personally dont give a damn. 
I understand the rationale is to improve pub games through better communication. Truth be told, I’ve only witness that a handful of times in BF2. Most of the time, people do not use it and I think you know as well as I do that BF2 in pubs are …
I just hope that such an implementation do not drive the bandwidth requirements through the roof… Have lousy netcode is going to be killer for a pure multiplayer game…
I’ve read somewhere (sorry, can’t find source) that they’ve concentrated a great deal on the netcode for ET:QW.
I agree, it’s not used anywhere near a much as it should be. Again, I use it all the time and it certainly encourages other gamers to aswell. It’s more personal than listening to a VSAY saying “go there” or whatever.
Get on the BF2Nation server, we use VOIP all the time, or feel free to get on GN’s public coms BF2 channel:
http://www.gamersnation.co.uk/index.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=1790
Don’t be shy.
I’m shy. 
Though admitted I find it pretty amusing hearing all those Brit and American accent from time to time over VOIP. I’m asian.
We get tons of nationalities on coms. Quite a few from Netherlands for some reason. All good company and we all have a laugh. As I say, get on coms, you don’t have to say anything at first, just give us the silent treatment like everyone who joins coms for the first time.