I don't recall any Perk the L-Gay-7 thread since they redesigned the appearance.  For that matter, there was some discussion, at that time, that the flight modeling was changed along with the appearance; however, I don't know if that was ever clarified.  Assuming that it was changed along with the looks, maybe folks no longer feel that the LA-7 is the 'invincible' airplane that it once was.  
 
    
But, if it gives you a warm and fuzzy feeling remembering the days past .......
DANG IT!!  THE LA-7 IS NOT FAIR.  THIS GAME IS B.S. IF YOU WON'T PERK THE LA-7!!!   Perk it or I quit and I am leaving and taking my ball with me!!!!  