Thanks Fugitive. I do like your idea of correcting the rank system and points awarded by landing vice bailing, but that's just the start to correct the loopholes or cracks that someone will take advantage of.
Let me assure you that my questions are not coming from me comparing my scores to anyone elses, I don't even pay attention to mine, if I get shot down, I dint look to see if it changes anything, I make sure I dont make that mistake again.
I dont even know who is the top 100 or even the top 1000. From time to time I happen to see mine because I use the clipboard roster to see who is on, not to see scores.
I dont know how to manipulate this game and have no desire to do such a thing, however I am interested in knowing how THEY do it for another devious reason, because maybe I can change my play to affect their play.
For example, recently I shot down this particular player bombing cities, factories, etc etc. completely away from any threats, I had no idea what this guys intent was and gave chase, shot him down and joked him with the squad for doing it, conversation came up that this guy was ranked high and probably was padding his score and that I may have pissed him off since I shot him down. From that moment on I went looking for just that and found plenty of guys doing it, I would come in low and pop up while they were busy killing boxes and the chase would be on.
I dont see it as often and maybe its because they know its not as easy when someone may be watching for it.
Your absolutely right that many are doing some gamey stuff and its evident in their scores, even if they rank high.
By no means do I worship anyones score or by default respect them, its good to know that many players do play with at least some ethics and sportsmanship, each person that has responded here as far as I can see is not gaming this game as we have pointed out and I surely did not expect one of the score bandits to admit to everyone here on HOW they do it.
-- ,,,, or really want to know some of the ways to "game the game" ,,,, but I would be happy to respond to a PM with what little knowledge I have.
I would be happy to know some of the ways to game the game as for reasons stated above. Thanks for everyones insight, I think if everyone has an idea of what to look for it would be easier to determine who the posers are and who are more deserving.