What exactly is your fear of no icons? Ill be frank, there may be a lot of new people in the arena now but the nightly numbers are the same as they were 3 months ago its just different people.
I don't fear it, I simply don't enjoy it. Don't make the mistake of thinking I have zero experience with no icons. Thank you for belittling my opinions by insertiing charged words like fear, as if I am trembling and quaking over the prospect of having to play without icons.
I only commented because there seemed to be a real interest by a few people to hear other opinions and thoughts on drawing people into the AvA. As a person who could possibly be drawn in, I was merely trying to give the AvA staff a glimpse of how an outsider perceives what goes on in the AvA.
Personally, I like the smaller fights for the most part.
Personally, I like not being HO'd on the first merge.
Personally, I think after the first merge, not firing when the enemy goes through your guns is stupid. All you're doing is allowing the guy to fly sloppy because he thinks he is safe in your gunsight as long as he can get his nose around. This is especially true with the guys who gravitate to spitfires, A6Ms, FM2s etc. Their idea of dogfighting is constantly turning head on in a joust fashion until they can exploit their airframes turning ability. It's silly. In a setting like the AvA, I won't fire on the first merge, after that, I won't be looking for a head on shot, but I'm sure as hell not going to give you a free pass if you pull your nose around into my gun sight.
My opinion of the AvA recently... It has potential. But there are a few too many jackwagon "regulars" who will vocally slam you on 200.
For instance, the other night I went into the AvA. I was alone. Nobody else. Rather then leave for the MA, I decided stick around and see if anyone else showed up. Was looking forward to maybe getting some 1vs1 action. Anyway, instead of sitting in the tower, I upped a fighter and flew to the nearest enemy base. It happened to be one of the southern V bases. I flew around and around. Started to get low on fuel and bored. So I deacked the base. Flew home and landed. Still alone. Upped a goon and flew troops to the V base. Had just let them go when someone else showed up in the arena. Great! Now I might get a fight! Troops took the base. I was immediately derided on 200 for "rolling undefended bases".
I've been derided for "picking", only to have the same guy do the exact same thing to me. Then claim that he was flying as a wingman with his partner, so it was of course ok for him.
I honestly think that there is a subset of AvA regulars who really really really don't want anyone new to show up. They're probably going to get their wish in the long run.