Shifty,
Fixed plane sets are very exciting and fun in organised large groups inside of events.
On the average the AvA(Old Combat Arena) has only small numbers at any given time of higly dedicated and single modality accomplished pilots enjoying the intensity of each others skill. It could be described as the DA with historical rotating maps, matchups, semi-DA relaxed rules but, not really historical or very organised game play. More a group of freinds who would be just as comfortable dueling in the "visualy sterile" DA. (The DA's Fighter Town excluded as traditional DA modality.) The MA's allow for the less single focused modality players who are more general activity minded, fixed plane set intollerant, and RULE intollerant to gain more personal fun and success per hour of their monthly fee.
So, with the latter player definition it has been customairy since I've been playing AH, and on this BBS for a minority of voices to chime in NOW that the less dedicated LARGE group of paying customers are...... possibly timid in their approch to game play and should stay out of the AvA. Or in in rather direct language:
The AvA has never had a very high "FUN" meter quotient for less skilled players other than those 1 in a 1000 individules who will eventualy join the ranks of the accomplished there and in the DA. The non-MA style rules limit the rest to picking no-stop fights with hungry Grizzly Bears while armed with a thoothpick in their jammies for armor. Not even Oldman's Mother Teresha strength cheer leading to the toothpick masses overcomes their need for tangable and fun accomplishments. After all, feeding yourself to a Grizzly Bear repeatedly is only fun to a person if they get FUN from it.
Ask your self this question: What is the personal EGO\FUN reward the less skilled masses are receiving in the MA's that keeps them there vs. the AvA or DA?