"So what level of approximation is considered "realistic" vs. what isn't "realistic"?"
It is true. Every one will have a different answer. I can only answer for myself by saying that the bounds of realism are only limited by technology, programming and desire. I feel realism is doable for just about every facet of online play, be it the models in the sim or the tools that help mold the gameplay itself. And without requiring anyone to submit to a military type regimen nor force them to graduate tech/flight school to operate anything.
An example of where the easy and simple closely replicates reality is the AH radio operation. One key press simulates a mike press for the radio andother simulates tuning the radio.
An example of where realism is lacking and it's lack definately impacts gameplay is the absence of any complexity in being a bombardier, or bombing itself, in AH. That may change in 1.09. But would it have changedat all if people were content to live with bombers as they are now and said nothing?
Things that could additionally be added in the pursuit of realism, and not be excessive IMO, would also include manually retracting flaps, ammo counters where they had them, lack of metric, lack of pilot fatigue from repetative hi-G's. Heck add in a 30 point check list to launch. Somehting like that has no effect on gameplay other than to provide immersion for the few who would wish to sit on the runway with a simulated clipboard to check things off and simulate a "walk around" before flight. But just like the "running" from the tower to the plane has a speed switch to allow folks top bypass that if they wish.
IMO gameplay concessions are manual trim vs combat trim, fuel management versus auto-fuel and of course my opinion on current grid bar indicators.
I'd be all for adding more aircraft management too. It's obvious from the text buffer in AH that what some swore and claimed would interfere with online social interaction has been shown not to and as long as there were automated versions of any added feature that it provided less performance than the manual operation of the same would.
100% immersion is unattainable imo because I will not act like I am in a military arm of any country, I will not die and I wil never know how to actually fly one of these planes. But if any feature whether it is the plane, a tank, the clouds, the communications, the radar, ordinance use etc etc can be modelled to give a fair representaion of what they had in WWII it only boosts that "I feel like I'm in a WWII aircraft and expereincing WWII style aircombat." That is what I'm all for.
I've rambled enough.
Westy
