It's a matter of balance, literally, Crumpp. That's why there is so much heated debate about these matters, remember?
Historictiy is one drive(at least, for people like me) in the CT. Facing the challenges of being in an inferior fighter(which unfortunately in most cases, turn out to be Axis planes), against the better fighters, is an interesting experience. Especially when the plane set is limited, the combat experience becomes subtly different from what is expected in MA.
But the problem is, historic plane sets also bring out historic results - mass slaughter, high casualty rates, and frustrating odds for one of the opposing sides.
That problem is often amplified by the fact that typical CT conditions regarding attrition, squad operation and military discipline/organization , is non existent. It can be said that the TOD arena suggested in upcoming AH2 is a direct alternative to the CT regarding 'historic engagements' - the 'role playing mentality' is encouraged, in HTs own words.
Fighters of multiple nationality and type, are rarely engaged in a single battlefield. Some of the historical tactics that worked in real life cannot work in the CT because of this. Let's take the Tunisia map for example - a group of desert-operating Bf109F-4/Trops of the Afrika corps, meet a group of patrolling RAF Hurricanes - when judged that they are in a disadvantage, the Gruppenkommander will order his flight to extend away diving. This tactic obviously, will not work when there are mixed match-ups of P-47s around.
I'm not suggesting an Axis disadvantage - just stating a loose example. The same thing can happen to Allied - as seen in Okinanwa: the total number of N1K2s used up by the Axis side in the duration of one week, probably exceeds the total number of N1K2s produced historically. Groups of Navy Hellcats or Corsairs are into very nasty odds when they will meet a N1K2 in hordes.
Thus, balance is suggested to offset possible issues - which are unfortunately, subject to a lot of distrust and misunderstandings. Sometimes it seems overdone, sometimes it seems nonexistent - but the only real way to cope with it is hope the CMs arrange a setup which you can enjoy.
A little bit of digression, at times like these I wish there was a system in AH which limits the numbers of planes 'present', rather than their absolute numbers of usage. Obviously we cannot seem to expect an attrition of fighters in an environment like CT - numerous fighters are shot down in mere minutes, as opposed to reality.
If it was possible to limit the numbers of certain planes 'present' - instance, if certain fields can accomodate 'squadron' settings, the problem of balance may not have been so pronounced. For instance, in a setup like Okinawa, there could have been an option to limit plane numbers by type as in something like "20% N1K2s, 80% A6Ms" or "40% F4Us, 60% Hellcats" - which as some of you might recognize, is exactly the way how AH Events operate. However, since this aspect is not welded into the game as a internal system, COs and CMs must look over it to enforce proper ratios of plane types.
Or, if some form of basic organization would force the gameplay into semi-scripted environment - such as requiring people of certain sides to simply "register/volunteer" inside the game to operate in squad strengths of certain planes, the problems may have been few. However, since that does not exist, in many setups, planes that were rarely seen in action become prevalent(N1K2), planes that were limited in operational area or usage become a popular choice for the masses(Me262s or such 'special' planes), planes that were widely used gets ignored(P-47s usually, and F4Us), planes that offer excellent play quality gets seriously overused(Spitfires), and planes that boasted historically potency are sometimes castrated under such destruction of balance(109s). All of the little bits and problems contribute to the larger problem of 'balance issues'.
The CT inherently posesses the problems of trying to mix a loose and action paced, fun combat experience with a tight, not fun, organized aspect of military operation(which, is usually what makes up 'historic feeling'). Unless some sort of control is excercised(as one might expect in the military), the collision of balance and history is really impossible to reconcile. We can just hope that some setups come close to what we may want.
We've entrusted that role to the CMs and staff of CT - if we have clear intention that the CT should be really different from the MA, then I dare say we do not have any rights to complain unless we are willing to let the CM/staff to excercise militaristic control over our butts, as described above, to forcibly depose the problems the CT has.
In short, the CT will always have problems, and a certain side, or certain people will always feel discontent. But if we don't want to enlist ourselves virtually into the CT and act exactly in the way real pilots under military rule did(which, is the only way that will cure the problem of balance(more various planesets can certainly help, but it will not fundamentally change how CT is)), then we shan't complain - suggest, maybe.
So the question is, are you ready to follow orders from appointed COs or flight commanders, if you are willing to do away with current 'editorial slants' excercised by CMs?
What, makes you think you'll do any better, and people will not complain, when you become a CM?
ps) To be fair CT staff, I must point out that to a certain extent, I must agree with 10bears. The increasing excercise of control or 'tweakings', have become more pronounced over time. I sincerely respect you guys like brady, sabre, jarbo et all, and will yield to your every decision without complaint, but the pressure of control is becoming heavier every setup. While your intentions are good, notedly for benefit for all, sometimes it does seem to grow out of hand.
Might I suggest some breathers? Try the setups the other people suggest in their form - let the people decide themselves if they cannot really handle the imbalance. Or, let go of 'substitutes' and 'limiters' and throw in a setup "exactly the way it was" - no Bf110Cs in BoF, no P-47Ds in Tunisia, yes SpitVs in Tunisia, yes C-hogs in Okinawa etc etc.
Sometimes it seems the 'agenda' is taking too much of a grip upon you guys
Let it go! Grab a deep breath and let the people suffer!
