Let me start by saying that I really appreciate the work that all the CM do to make FSO happen. Its a tough job that all too often goes unappreciated by the players who derive enjoyment from their scenarios and hard work.
I personally enjoy FSO more than any other aspect of AH because it is more than just a furball all the time. Historical accuracy, flying skill, teamwork and mission accomplishment rate high in my book. Unfortunately, last night's FSO was an exception to the rule.
I understand that last night was an effort to try something new and I applaud the overall concept of trying to keep FSO fresh and challenging.
However, I have to admit that I believe last nights "experiment" failed for several reasons:
1) Historical accuracy was violated at several levels in the scenario (e.g. - non-historical planeset for the period, landbased aircraft off carriers, proximity of forces at the start of the frame, etc.) Although many of these activities like landbased planes off carriers under combat conditions did occur (Doolittle Raid and P47s off Jeep carriers at Saipan that I know about), they were very rare occurrances.
2) Instant furball action rather than overall realism of play was the emphasis. Its interesting that even AH seems to have begun moving away from this concept a bit in the new MA areas. (BTW - I applaude that effort!)
3) For many of the participants, what had the potential to be a two hour event lasted no more than 5 minutes and perhaps that is the saddest part of all. All that hard work on the part of the CMs and so few got to really enjoy it.
I personally would rather see us stick with realistic scenarios even if it does mean we don't furball all the time and leave the whole "furball at all costs" mentality out of FSO all together. If a furball develops, all the better but lets not force them to instantly occur at wheels up.
Once again, my humble thanks to all the CM and I hope we learn from last night so that FSO only becomes more and more enjoyable.
Clear skys and smooth air to all!
