It's actually not entirely impossible for the PAC to get the first flag. It just takes squadwork - and a pair of big, fat hojoes!
I have two videos where my squad was able to take crossroads. Once taken, it's not too difficult to hold and it's much easier to sneak to the rear flags.
1st...
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid … 2#0h09m00s2nd...
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid … 77#0h1m18sThese were done on a 64 player server, no less, so resistance was IMMENSE!
It helps to haul serious ass, because the sooner you get there the better (less APMs setup and such).
You will probably die taking crossroads, but it's a surefire way to set the EU off-balance.
Plus, remember, you can lock-out the EU on berlin - they have no uncap. If you take crossroads and then EU base they are toast: no vehicles, no assets - game over.
It's important for the EU to have a strong-ass foothold at the beginning of Berlin. After all, they might need any lead they can scrape up at the start. There are so many ways to sneak to the EU base, it's almost a sin.
FAV's sound neat, but I think they would just put the EU at a more severe disadvantage. Basically, if the PAC plays like a team, then the EU is in for some serious problems.