This is just me 'thinking out loud' and creating discussion on here to gauge some opinions.
For the several people who said they would prefer a modern setting, primarily due to equipment and relatability a few pages ago, is it the time period that effects this the most or the faction?
For example, if this concept was set in 2010-2021 but is the exact same concept except Soviets are using more modern equipment (say AKs instead of bolt action or whatever) and insurgents have access to more modern equipment too, then would it be more relatable/enjoyable? Or, is the faction itself more important than the time setting, for example (example only, not a suggestion) a Vietnam war setting/time period where the military is a western army with access to western equipment at that time and western characters.
Hope that question makes some sort of sense. Personally, I think the faction is more important than the time period as I would think new joiners and a lot of experienced players find it easier to roleplay western characters and generally prefer western equipment but it would be good if others gave their thoughts on it too.