What should you expect from someone who you help?

[Fianna]

When you see a countryman in trouble, and you try to help him, is there anything expected from him?

The reason I ask, is because a couple of times recently, I've flown in to help a teammate who is outnumbered by 1 or 2, only to have him fly away and leave me fighting 3 cons. I've only been playing for a few weeks, so I don't really know if I should expect him to stay and help. So, should I expect them to leave or stay?


Thanks.

[daddog]

You can expect nothing in return, but if he/she does stay and help, you most likely made a new friend.

[Mark Luper]

Unless I have severe battle damage, if someone were to come help me when I needed it I would stick around and see it finished.

But that's me.

Mark

[DaPup]

You really can't expect too much, I'm like Mark where I'll stay until we're out or dead  

Sometimes those are the funnest fights for me personally, too many people that play worry about their individual stats. There was a day when 98% of the people you came in to help stuck around. That number is much lower now I think....

It's a game, if you end up in a 3 on 1 because the guy you helped bailed on you then finish what you can and get a fresh ride....they're all you can crash for $14.95 a month

[GunnerCAF]

My advice would be to never enter a fight you can't exit, or win.  An old squad mate of mine would chew people out this.  When you burn all your advantage to help, only to see they guy get shot down before you can help, only gives the enemy another easy target.

You can help someone out that is in a 1v2 or 1v3 by diving in without engaging.  This can force an enemy or two break off to deal with you.  This can give the guy a break to exit, or position for an attack.  If he decides to exit, you then can decide if you want to stick around or find a better fight.

Gunner

[DaPup]

There are two polar opposite mindsets there  

[hubsonfire]

It varies greatly depending on who you save. As a rule, don't expect too much, and you won't be let down. On the upside, as time goes by, you'll start to recognize people, and be recognized, and you'll probably find more people who do stick around or return the favor.

[hubsonfire]

Originally posted by DaPup
There are two polar opposite mindsets there  

Suffice to say, true.

[jhookt]

here's what to expect  


killshooter

cause while you are lining up to clear his six he will reverse and jump right in front of you as you pull the trigger.

i hate you LTARghst

[Zazen13]

Originally posted by hubsonfire
It varies greatly depending on who you save. As a rule, don't expect too much, and you won't be let down. On the upside, as time goes by, you'll start to recognize people, and be recognized, and you'll probably find more people who do stick around or return the favor.

Yup, that's part of my, "Tips to Living In Complex Engagements" post in the help forum. Do I expect noob #584231 to live long enough to be worth helping? Or be of any real help even if he does stick around? Or stick around at all? Nope...

But, I do know Old Vet #15 and expect him to acknowledge my intent to help and advise me if he knows he's screwed and won't live even if blow all of my E to come help, or if he's low ammo/gas and needs me to scare 'em off his tail so he can make a break for it, or stay around and join me in opening up a big hairy can of whip-ass.

The beauty of this game is every situation is different, there's no blanket rule for most people that covers every possible example of a situation, communication and knowing your friends' propensities is the key...

Think of your E in terms of economics it is the finite resource in AH. Make good investments and try to avoid bad investments of your E. Conversely, be a good wingie/teammate and save others from making bad investments, communicate and advise others when not to bother blowing E. If all your teammates conserve maximum E you will collectively be maximally effective relative to the enemy in your local combat patrol area.


Zazen

[GunnerCAF]

Originally posted by DaPup
There are two polar opposite mindsets there  

I don't think so.  I want to get kills, and I don't want to get killed.  I will help anyone out the best I can.  I fly to have fun.  How about you?

Gunner

[GunnerCAF]

Well said Zazen.  

Gunner

[Masherbrum]

If someone leaves me high n dry (after they're getting ganged), they no longer get help and I don't forget names.   But I'll always ask if they need help.

[FTDEEP]

what happens to me alot is i'm in a fight 1v1,in control and some one jumps in and tries to help..screws the fight up and i get shot down. please..you see me in a 1v1...stay out or ask me if i need help. i also realize that many are playing the rank game and dont really wanna get dirty. they wanna get in and out as clean as possible.go home and land the kills. seeing thier name in lights means alot to many. so rely on no one.

[TexInVa]

I've helped and have been helped. I usually ask for help or ask if help is needed. I ask first because I've been accused of being a cherry picker and a kill stealer before. I never intended that.

I've stayed to help finish off the nmy, but I've also flown off because of not having ammo or too injured to do anything. At those times, if asked, I'll wave off help. I'll also explain why I'm leaving you on your own (ie, no ammo, pilot wound) if you decide to jump in anyway.

I'll probably leave you to your fate if you're burning oil, leaking fuel or you're a roman candle. You should probably do the same. The person you're helping is probably in no condition to help you fight.

Key point I'm making is that you should ask before helping. Most vets will tell you "no" if they have it under control or if they're gonna bite it shortly anyway.