I think the main reason why view distance is around 600m is mostly due to the weather and time of day on the map. Since the server resets to around the early morning, fog kicks in when that sun starts to rise. And with it raining, fog gets pretty thick where you can't see past 400m. Usually the last 2 hours of reset, you might be able to see out to 800-900m with no haze. But it all depends on the weather system at that point.
Like Hippi said, the settings have always been what they are, which could be the standard graphic settings for DayZ. I think it would be a cool idea to change the time of day here and there, depending if players are open to the idea. It wouldn't be a constant thing that can happen. But maybe as a surprise or special event. I would love to get in to some night operations.
Anyways, Red missions were not designed to be taken out so easily. They're meant to be challenging of the two other mission colors. They can be taken out by one person, but you need to be well prepared when you decide to engage.
Overall, it's a pretty cool idea. It'd be nice to sit out 1km away with an M107, drink some root beer, and take out some AI. Maybe we'll get lucky with the Mother Nature of DayZ and hope for good weather.
