Originally posted by phookat
Well, I figure since so many people are repeating this, I can repeat myself too.
You may want to consider a change of perspective: instead of "three countries", think "one community". You are not changing sides at all, you are simply making the game better by evening the teams. If you and your buddies at work did a friendly pick-up basketball game, and two guys had to leave the other team, you'd fill in their place so the game could continue. Right? This is no different.
Sorry, it is different. 10 guys playing basketball.. you know them all, they are usually somewhat of a known person to you.
AH is a community of several hundred at at given time, most of whom you or I don't know.
I've flown Rooks now for 4 years and have come to know quite a few other "dedicated" rooks. When I am flying in the same area as them, I know what to expect and weather or not I can count on them to help me out if I need it.
All the guys in my squad, but also guys like skpg, Ironblade, BFD, FDutchman, 4010, Mn7, Tequila, Elguapo, TheBeeg, RAFBader, APDrone, and Tiger9mm just a name a few long time Rooks.
I think the same holds true for most players.
Not to mention that after flying against certain players for so long, people tend to build either a certain repect for, or total loathing of other players. For example, if I switched to knights or bish today, I know there are certain players who I would let die in a furball and not risk my arse to save them... probably visa-versa too....