>>What would be possible is that no more lethality points are tracked once certian componets fail. The plane could still be shot and more damage done, but no kill award tracking would be done,<<
I don't think it's a question of damage, IMO it's more a question of the way some play the game or fight the fight. Some will steal kills and swoop down on a carcass, and some won't. For me, it's the same as jumping sides when it becomes clear that one side is going to be set by another side; those who lust after perks will jump to the winning side and reap the benefits of the work done by those who were there from the start. With people like that, I wouldn't want to be in a fight with them, or rely on them for anything for they are only for themselves.
The type won't risk anything or get close to a fight unless they can get a sure kill, so they wait til someone else whittles down the opposition, and then will slip in and blast away.
I don't think HT can legislate integrity, nor should he.