Don't build a pyramid. If your game mechanic can only be mastered by a rarified slice of humanity then you will have the harsh, rough, chest beating culture of the meritocracy game.
This part says it all.
Aircombat sims are by nature a pyramid. Inherently competitive and predisposition to chest thumping is written in the DNA.
And the interesting part is while the "rarified slice of humanity" which in flight sims we can calssify as 'vets' or 'aces' seemingly promotes or motivates people to become
better at the game, they never cease to give up their own place on top of the pyramidic hiearchy - those who are at the bottom levels are people they can insult, step on, crack talk, and humiliate - in the name of 'motivation'.
But in the end, the under levels of the pyramids are always the most numerous. The more the game integrates various components and diversifies the role one can play inside it, the less importance the "rarified individuals" play.
The "ubermensch" are a dying breed. The days of the "untermensch" have arrived, and they dictate the arena.
And the "sore loser" phenomena, is one out of desperation. A "vet" in a pathetic bid to gain attention. To tell the community "hey, I'm a great pilot. Respect me!"
The last cries of a race in extinction.
