Although I currently don't have an AH subscription, it is things like this that begins to peek my interest again, so in the interest of developing a better arena I hope no one minds me throwing in my opinion as a "sideliner"
First off as Shifty said I wouldn't be totally ignoring making the RPS an Allied vs Axis type setup. There would be two sides in the arena, add Axis planes to one side as the date progresses, following suit with the Allies. This would run for a one month cycle, progressing along a scaled timeline to mimic the war years, culminating with the final day of the cycle having all planes enabled for each respective side(aka the infamous "Jet Day")
That way you have the benefit of enjoying the entire planeset, with the opportunity to give the early war planes a try. Also by following a set timeline based upon release dates, I think you will end up with the "Day in the Sun" effect that Sable was talking about. I would prefer that method, but you have to consider what effect that might have on the numbers balance in the arena. Getting those individuals that have to jump to the side with the "best" plane can cause a disruption.
Now I know that the Axis vs Allied thing isn't truly historical, but it is a far better way to approach a planeset than the MA, imo and I believe would attract more people than the current CT approach. That would be the man attraction to the RPS, the greater numbers. I myself still would prefer a strict Historical arena, with reduced settings, only Bar Dar and a small planeset. But at this point in MMP online flight sim evolution I don't think that it can support enough numbers to justify it
Second to an Axis vs Allied setup I really think ETO would be the way to go. From popularity to the planeset it is definitely the better choice. Also as I said I think to get the real feel for it it has to last at least one month as a test.
It's great to see the staff posing these questions, because I know for a fact the real truth in succes or failure of any attempt lies in the planning of it.
Crown Bug '06