You still havnt answered the main question so I will put it bluntly, WHY DONT YOU LIKE NO ICONS. Give specific reasons if you can, I have and so have others.
I don't like no icons because, in my opinion, the limitations of the view system and computer screens makes it harder to see and identify other aircraft then it is in real life. The way an enemy aircraft should appear is more like the way it looks when you use the full zoom function. Because the computer screen limits the field of view so dramatically, the only workable solution for the game designers is what we have now. It is someting akin to looking through the wrong end of low power binoculars. Also, because of the lack of 3D steroscopic views and the far duller color pallete then what you find in the real world, aircraft are more easily lost in the ground clutter then is realistic.
Also, I use hat views to track enemy cons, not trackIR. Put quite simply, there are blinds spots in the hat view system that wouldn't exist in real life. Icons on helps to compensate for these blind spots, making it easier to pick a con up after passing through a blind spot.
Certainly the icons are far easier to see then it was in real life, but I don't see swinging to the other extreme as a viable solution either. In light of the other drawbacks of no icons, I believe Icons on is the lesser of the two evils.
Additionally, I believe that the no icon setting also places an additional handicap on anyone new entering the arena. In a game that has such a steep learning curve, I consider it unwise to layer additional hardships on to new players in any setting, especially in an underpopulated arena that wishes to draw new players. Doing so only serves to widen the gap between the guys who are accustomed to no icons and those who are not.
I also believe that in the AvA there is an unseemly predatory attitude among an unusually large percentage of the "regulars", evidenced by the abnormally high number of players flying with tracers off. There is really only one reason to turn tracers off, to maximize the failings of your opponets SA to get an easier kill. If the AvA was really all about the fights, there wouldn't be so many folks out for the sneak attack that tracers off allows. Tracers off is a tactic of the picker/ganger, and in the MA at least, the first merge HOer. Not the guy looking for a pulse pounding nail biting 1vs1. Turning the icons off only feeds and further enables these score the kill at any cost players. I find it hypocritical of some folks who preach about the clean 1vs1, but turn their tracers off. I am looking for a better fight so when I shoot at you, you'll know it.
I'm perfectly willing to discuss the merit of short icons. I honestly think that there may be a good balance that is possible. I thought that the 3k icons were perfectly reasonable. If it was possible, I would even entertain Aircraft Type Only Icons, without the range information. But I don't know if that can be done or not. Maybe an item for the wish list.
Satisfied? Are those reasons good enough for you?
I also agree with what Puppet said, the primary draw to the AvA is the Axis vs Allied semi-historical plane matchups.
As for the "jackwagon" regulars having not been around for longer then two months... That might be true (or not), but then where are all of the older regulars? Can you maintain the viability of an Arena without drawing new players? Of course not. I guess, you'd be happier if everyone newer then 2 months simply went back to the MA rather then welcoming them and folding the players into the group? There really is an hostile vibe both in the AvA and here in the forums against anyone who hasn't been flying in the AvA for x number of months.
If you don't see it, then I suggest you are to close to the situation.
