Re: thread creep. With the benefit of hindsight, history shows that - in war - the only way to deal effectively with the opposition is to use overwhelming firepower. If the ROE place restrictions on operations then irregular opposition operates at a level below which overwhelming firepower is engaged.
For Vietnam, the US could have blockaded the opposition at any time.
For the current conflict in Libya, a blockade of supplies to the Gaddafi forces in Misratah will defeat the Gaddafi forces.