The White General lives

Mikhail Dmitrievich Skobelev, a man described by that ever controversial figure Bernard Montgomery as the world's "ablest single commander" between 1870 and 1914, died at the young age of 39 from a heart attack.

There seems to be little doubt that his death deprived Russia of a truely great general, no more highlighted than in the Russo-Japanese war. In the Russo-Japanese war the Russian commanders were around the same age as Skobelev would have been if he lived but are generally considered poor substitutes.

So I want to know, what would be the effect of Skobelev living to a ripe old age instead of being cut down in his prime?

(A link to the wikipedia article about him: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mikhail_Skobelev )
 
Hard to say. He seem to be the pinnacle of "old" generation of Russian generals, who used to rely on determined bayonet charge more than anything else (at least this was his style during 2nd Pleven). Would he adapt to new war style? He definitely could, some of his latter operations against Turks demonstrate an ability to use high-tech of the day (rifled artillery and breech-loaders) to inflict much pain on Turks.
 
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