Heh, don't count on it.

The padlock thing has bee kicked around so long it's rediculous. I know HTC is not likely to implement it, so don't waste too much time thinking about it.
BTW, you lost some fights because you lost sight. Good! You SHOULD be losing some fights for that reason. With some artificial padlock manuevers that are designed to work to a pilot's blind side or to be difficult to track, become largely useless. Once you get the hang of the view system, it is actually much superior to a padlock IMHO. It's easier to scan the skies (better SA)and you don't get target fixated like you do with a padlock. Although a padlock would be an advantage in simple 1v1 fights, in a multiplayer arena it is a severe disadvantage compared to a good snap-view system.
If you would like any help in setting up a good view system, please let me know (I'm a trainer).(sconrad@hfx.eastlink.ca) After some practice and success, I think you'll come to love the snap-view system as much as I do.
I am opposed to any padlock feature, if for no other reason than it's the last thing I'd want HTC spending time and resources on! Bring on my P47-N instead.

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Lephturn - Chief Trainer
A member of The Flying Pigs
Visit Lephturn's Aerodrome for AH news, resources, and training data.
http://users.andara.com/~sconrad/
"MY P-47 is a pretty good ship
And she took a round coming 'cross the Channel last trip
I was thinking 'bout my baby and lettin' her rip
Always got me through so far
Well they can ship me all over this great big world
But I'll never find nothing like my North End girl
I'm taking her home with me one day, sir
Soon as we win this war"
- Steve Earl