Stoney, I have bickered with you in the past, and I don't want to start this here again. So let me say right out that I appreciate the work you've put into this FSO. Here are some questions:
I'll start this by simply explaining my reasons for both the 1.5 fuel burn and the re-arm rules.
1.5 Fuel Burn
This setup requires nothing more than a 100 mile combat radius, more or less, for all planes involved. I do realize that some of the Russian rides have short legs, but even they can be used effectively with this short distance. No, you cannot takeoff and leave the throttle firewalled the entire frame. That is by design. No, you cannot hang out indefinitely over the target. That is also by design.
Are you saying that the 100 mile radius is an artifact of the desire for pilots to practice engine management? I was initially confused by the fuel burn because the radius of combat operations on the Eastern front was frequently only ~50km. With the drop tanks of the 109, we can still fly to the target (or defense area) with the throttle firewalled (if we want) and not have fuel concerns. Although the La-5 could carry two drop tanks on its wing hard points, it doesn't have them in AH, and so it is more or less restricted to defense in this FSO.
I really think it's time for a complex engine management
option in AH, and if it could be required in a special event by the CM's discretion, that would be OK too.
Finally, these are simply two different tools I've used to create some immersion, a more realistic feel, and a more complex planning problem for the CICs. I've done this because I believe these characteristics add to the value of the event, for most of the FSO community. However, if the community wants a more vanilla event, then perhaps I'll get rid of them. We create these events for the playing pilot, not for our own egos.
I've never run out of fuel flying a Yak or La in Il-2 in a Eastern front combat theater, save for a leaking fuel tank. I don't think this is a choice between realism and vanilla, but rather between one aspect of a realism (engine management) and another (having sufficient fuel).
Ok, that last one isn't a question. It's my $.02.
