Interesting discussion!
Yeager...good topic! A comment on this...
>>The closer it gets to recreating the real thing, the happier I am. I dont mean engine startup and oxygen discipline. I mean air to air combat manoevering, strategy and tactics.<<
I agree with what you are getting at. Just one observation. In RL, simulators are used to teach procedures for the most part...things like switchology, instrument maneuvers, radar and ECM work...all things that are not too 'visual' in nature.
So I smile a bit when the posts get into a 'sim vs game' discussion. Personally, I don't care. Most 'air combat sims' are games to me...lots of fun, but not too weighty!
With the mixed plane set in the MA, it seems these types of varying opinions will always be with us. But for now, that's the way AH is set up, so my vote is to live with it...have fun and don't sweat the small stuff!
One thing that makes me wonder...the ever-present mention of certain aircraft models. The Fw-190D, for example. Why the interest? Is it because someone just likes its looks? Or is it because it had great performance? If so, is not such a selection going in the direction of the Chog? Will this become a "My uber plane is OK, but your isn't" type of argument?
In any case...in AH as in RL...it ain't the plane, it's the pilot! My guess is the good pilots here will be good in any plane...and the poor ones will still be poor, no matter what they fly. Yes, the under-skilled Chog pilots will get their occasional YGBSM death ray kill...but so what?
Lazs...good points...maybe a little strong worded...but, not to worry! There's room here for everyone.
Andy