From what you describe as the "lightshafts" or "pipelines" may be related to the dither textures not being rendered properly by the video card, which would be a software issue. Or the drivers for the card not rendering them properly.
I know over at A2A Simulations, with the new and improved Battle of Britain II Wings of Valor, folks who try to run the game on a rig with integrated video, the symptoms you describe are a common problem, that no one has figured out a way to correct. In the 2D map where the strategic, and tactical stuff is done, the people don't have a problem but when they go to the 3D enviornment, the lightshafts of different blocky color appear. The almost look like kalidascope of color. So as Thomen mentioned, you may wish to check around different forums to see if there are any specific issues with your video card, and or recommended drivers for it.
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A legislative act contrary to the Constitution is not law.
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