...and not offering anything constructive to the discussion.
I actually have not seen this suggested yet:
Reduction of effective icon range.
Methinks that while 5,000 yards is necessary for the LWMA; 1,000 or 2,000 yards would be more appropriate for WWI. The difference in closure rates is staggering, obviously. 600/700+ kts vs. 200+ kts, combined.
Ignoring the historical question of whether or not a pilot would be able to identify a very small aircraft (in comparison to WWII AC size) with less identifiable pain schemes (in comparison to Axis = painted v. Allied (US) = not painted and subject to sun glints, by and large) at 5,000 yards, the thought in my head is that this would accomplish a couple things which might improve the experience:
1.) For those in favor of period tactics, as the arena evolves beyond "lets see what this is all about" it will allow for a somewhat better chance of a successful bounce out of the sun (which seems to be brighter in the WWI arena?)
2.) It might actually even out and spread out the fights. If you consider that the mentality of the average player is cautious when at a numerical disadvantage and aggressive when at a numerical advantage, the inability to see the odds (sea of red/sea of green) at such a long distance might change the dynamic of when a player decides to firewall it towards a furball. If that player, with that average mentality, cant see that the furball is a sea of green from so far out; he might be less likely to decide to add to the green population from further out. By time he is close enough, the ability to reverse his decision is lessened, should the odds not be to his liking. Theoretically, this may result in multiple furballs between countries instead of a single furball.
3.) Might add to immersion ("oh crap!") and give the psychological impression of a more fast-paced environment in spite of the slower speeds.
Am I off my rocker or was one cup of coffee enough to effectively articulate what's in my head? The way I figure, a 5,000 yard icon range in the WWI arena is akin to a 15,000+ icon range in the LWMA.
Thoughts?
(EDIT: For kicks, I think it would be just plain cool to see the occasional tracer round pass from one trench to the other.)