Azrael-
I agree with your point on the numbers. I and a few others have stated the same thing. It can't be fun to overwhelm all the time (can it?). I usually go for the side with the lowest numbers or in the most trouble. Today that was Bishop, tomorrow might be one of the others.
To Central-
The only two problems I have with 40K B17's is:
1. It didn't happen in real life with a full bombload, and;
2. No fighter in the game can fly at that alt and make successful runs at them.
Result? One buff can pretty much shut down a field, and there is little that the whole defending fighting force can do. I understand about making buffing more appetizing, but perhaps the balance has swung too far the wrong way?
This is not intended disrespectfully, but I hope you can see what I mean. I generally ignore buffs, but as in today's case, with only 4 fields left and a buff high over HQ, I had little choice but to pursue. I took up a hawg, and literally went dry in the tank before I could reach it. Lord, am I really gonna hafta take another B17 up to get him?