Some years ago when a horde arrived at a base there was always a handfull of nutters in IL-2s and La-7s upping countless times and being vulched. It was tough at first but every vulcher they ho'ed down made the next run easier. If FH's were down, take a bomber. If everything was down, always at least 5-10 people would instantly up from the next base and fly noe over to play under the red mass. That's my memory of it anyhow.
These day's the gameplay is exactly the same as back then on the hangers point. The thing I think has changed it is the determination of defenders. Defending the base is your own responsibilty, not the enemy's. Imagine how ridiculous game play would be if we all had to make these crazy promises and immunity pledges to the enemy before the fight? Bottom line, defend the base if you want to keep the FHs up. If it's your team doing it and you don't like it, switch and defend against them if you must. Just my opinion.