Wilf,

Civilian deaths in war is only an issue in so much as there is a political effect.
You should attempt to be precise, proportionate and discriminating, but fear of civilian deaths, should never impede actions of military necessity.
I will continue to disagree with your final point because what you say before it is true.

Killing civilians does have political effect and in a counter-inurgency campaign where securing the population is the objective, the use of the term collateral damage is self-defeating. Civilian deaths are not collateral, they are friendly.

Best
Tom