I used to think AH was graphically under par, when i bought IL2 for the first time.
i played IL2 for about 2 days, got fed up with just about everything except the graphics that quick.
only thing IL2 is good for is wallpaper.
As far as AH2, the graphics are good enough for me, and the gamneplay and models are the best available anywhere.
i have plent of screenies pinted out on my wall. Mates come round and say 'hey cool picture, where you take that?' 'er, its a game i play online,

'
hey, check this out, its bloody art.
notice anything about it?
yup thats right, its from AH1.
with AH2 the addition of custom skins can be used for many things, like telling you how i feel about people who wont pay to play, but still talk crap about a game just because it dont look good enough.
do you want the Best looking girl in the room, and be her slave all night only to find out she doesnt even give head?
or do you go for the girl next door type who looks good enough to make you buy her a beer, and knows exactly how to get down in the hay.