I looked at the set as 2x TnB, 2x BnZ. The Energy pair of P-40 and Ki-61 shows that the Ki has a speed advantage of 15-20mph, pretty significant. It also has a significantly tighter turn radius than the Warhawk, better gun lethality, and essentially equal firing time. There's nothing at all that the P40 does better than the Ki-61.
Also true of the Spit V vs the A6M5. The zeke has an enormously tighter turn radius than any other plane in the set, its low alt speed equals the Spit V after WEP runs out. The SPit can try to outclimb the zeke, but the zero's low speed handling would let it nose up for a shot before the SPit could get out of range.
The zeke is also (embarassingly) faster than the P40.
So, Storch, yeah I think the Ki (used as an energy plane) would be the best plane in the set because it could control engagement/ disengagement at will. The only problem for the allies is that the 2nd best Axis plane could outrun and outturn them both....
E25280: The numebrs I was talking about were at the point of contact, not in the arena. And what I saw was not the aftermath of a 3v3. It was single allied planes coming in towards the axis base, and getting attacked by 2-3 guys at once -- instead of the extra guys going on to engage the next con. It was ganging pure and simple. When I got hit by the western Ki's, it was 2 guys with big energy advantage going after me, when there were other cons not far off. Those two were racing for the kill, not trying to have a good fight.
In other words, MA behavior. Not a problem, unless you really want to offer a different experience.
As far as "shame on us" for not sticking together, well, I anticipated a good old fashioned furball, not squad ops. Is the standard REALLY to have the group hit target together, like an MA mission? Well, if thats so, then tell me again how the AvA is supposed to be different from a little MA?
I am not a newbie or an idiot, and I know the limits of the Spit V...which I like as a perk farmer in the MA environment. I've never asked for the XVI - or any other plane -- to get perked. I didnt go for the SPit as an Uber plane, I chose it because I saw zekes and didnt want to do a pure BnZ attack against them. The alternative -- the P40 -- would have had a much harder time than the Spit co-E.
When I got there my squaddies were already up in Allied planes. I have no idea how the selection was made, but Daddog specifically asked us to stay on the same team. When I got frustrated, I didnt make a major whine, I didnt even say anything to my squaddies... I just left.
Most AvA regulars are really good pilots. The Mongrels have some good sticks, but a lot of us are just guys having fun. It seems to me that when the announced guests were getting reamed, it would have been good manners to lighten up, or offer a side switch. Instead, I saw 4 axis planes chasing Sondog on the deck, and 3 more after another guy.
Lastly, my times in the AvA were not a couple hours once or twice. I really tried to get interested, to make it work, because I'd heard that it was a great place to get good fights. Well, the last time I tried I found these junior squads starting up, with lots of new guys who found they could stay alive in the AvA better than the MA. COurse, they did this through incessant ganging running and vulching. The regulars said, come thursday nights, thats when you 'll get the highest numbers and less of the other stuff. I did that for a while, and had some fun -- but lots of other times I'd get repeatedly hammered from disadvantage. Around the time Filth ran his channel bombing missions, I came in and found that I was outnumbered, out-alted, and then even ganged on climbout near base. Totally zero fun, and the attackers had all the "get the kill" focus in the MA. After a couple honest to goodness vulches from vets who should have known better, I figured that at least in the MA I can CHOOSE to go elsewhere if things arent even. In the CT, theres only one place to find a fight.
I didnt have fun Friday, but some guys clearly did. (After I left...I wonder if that has a deeper meaning....) If the AvA experience has improved from the time of the name change, I'll give it a try again.
When do most of the regulars go now?