I can't seem to get a good amber light when trying to drop these damned bombs! I have the range finder active, but it seems I actually have to put the aircraft into a negative G dive to get any launch authorization! What am I doing wrong?

Also, the speed breaks don't seem to want to extend at certain times. What are the parameters that either prohibit or allow those to extend?

NOTE: I'm playing LOMAC, patched. Not FC.

You need to have the bombs impact point visible on the HUD to get the little light to come on. This means flying low and fast or using a moderate dive.

You can also use CTRL+W to override or use the '8' key to bring up the unassisted bomb-sight (which should also allow you to release bombs in level flight).