Rob's post, amusing as it is - did remind me of something similiar I had been thinking about. As a pilot who get's PK'd a fair share of times, I'd like to remain in the cockpit an instant longer - I'd like to see the explosion or the hit sprites light up the cockpit before I die. I find the insta-transport back to the tower a little jarring. Just an instant longer in the cockpit to witness the destruction followed by a rapid blackout or redout - and then, on to the tower. I'm not trying to be bloodthirsty I just think it would add a little bit more continuity in the game.
Can anyone remember now how it was handled in WarBirds? I think though you were transported to an external view where you watched your plane crash, and then got a "you have been killed" screen with music? Something like that?