Hi Ben,
it's been quite a while since I played that one, but you are right, the Apaches are quite strong. In consequence, I think the scenario is quite easy to "win" in a computer game sense. When discussing a similar issue concerning a scenario in Raging Tiger (ATF, AATF), the guys made me aware that losing half your planes in a single engagement is not considered a succes in real life, though. In fact, according to some of their AARs, one should make sure that your air assets are safe before sending in CAS or helos.
Therefore, I think the scenario gets much more interesting if one tries to protect air assets like in the real world. (If I remember correctly, two of my Apaches got shot down...)
I must admit, though, that I am only a civilian and don't know much about any of this... these are just my two cents ;-)
Take care,
Arno