Viper, well, it wasn't us.
Laz.. the German comedian line is a great one.
Why do we fly them? Because we like them, obviously.
They aren't the best but flown right they are good... but subjectively I think most of the 13th thinks they are the best looking and they have an irresistable mystique for us.
Clearly, we don't pick the plane we think we could "score" highest in. If we did, we'd be in something with cannons. I also think, given the talent available (and I'm not one of the talented; I can't see fer toejame any more and thus I can't shoot. Time for a 60" monitor!) the 13th would be respectable in just about any plane in the inventory (except maybe the 202).
If you're looking for true parity, then everyone would have to fly the same plane, same loadout, right?
All T&B planes are not created equal either. Were we to switch to any of those, there would be some better, some worse. All have strengths and weaknesses somewhere within.
I personally like the mixed nature of the arena. I enjoy not knowing what threat is coming next.
Last nite a few of us cruised down towards 7 from 8 at about 15k. Met an equal number of higher -51's and engaged. As usual, next thing you know we're down in the sea spray turning and burning with other -51's, Spits, LA's, Zekes... and we did OK. As the fight drifted towards the enemy base the numbers became overwhelming and we decided to bug out on the deck. It was a tough egress. Nearly back to our base and... 262's diving in! Had a great time jinking out of the gun solution for about 6 passes until I ran out of gas (using the WEP killed my reserve). Zigrat nailed me as I ditched.
Great sortie, truly enjoyable. Started out about 15K against other B&Z aircraft that were higher, descended into a T&B fun fest multi v multi, tough egress followed by the B&Z attacks by jets. I think I might have made the base with a bit more gas.
Anyway, it was 30 minutes of pure all-aspect fun.
YMMV.
I, for one, like the diverse nature of the MA.
The CT idea, in its present iteration, is clearly a total failure.
I'd like to see them give your particular "dream sheet" a try now. I used to be a total T&B guy through my AW DOS and WB days. I enjoy it. But I also enjoy what I'm doing now. (...and again, what the 13th does now is a far cry from what most of you think we do. I invite those of you who doubt to ride along some evening.)
One faction has had a shot at their dream arena. I don't see why a group of vocal T&B guys shouldn't get their shot.
I'd be much more likely to drop in on that one than the present CT. The action is way to slow in the present CT for my taste.
Good luck to you.
[ 10-21-2001: Message edited by: Toad ]