Hm, well, I *do* believe that if a known luftwobble brings out an issue, it is more likely to be seen as a whine or a complaint than if some unknown made the same comment - *even* though it is factual. There's been a few threads where there's actually been some data to back claims or assertions up (roll rates, minengeschoss shells to mention two).
Overall, though, I think it comes down to a few problems.
The LW have two really competitive fighters - the D9 and the G10. I don't fly the hunstang so can say little about it, other than I can't hit with its guns. The G10 is a very fine plane with some obvious and glaring drawbacks, such as control lock up at speed, weak elevator authority and whatnot.
I do believe superior skills and experience allows a pilot to survive a 1945-ish environment in a plane that is a) not a turn fighter and b) old-ish.
Anyway, that the LW is lacking some variety in potent planes is one problem. It has a lot of planes, but the planes themselves with the exception of two really aren't that good. Several pilots who fly 'um (Hblair, SWulfe, Regurge, Hajo, Cit, Camo and the Llv34 boys and others) can do great in 'um - but they'll do great in any plane.
So, the issues that bother *me* as a LW guy is the following:
1) Historical accuracy. I like role playing. It's not geeky. it's something we do every day; when we watch tv, when we play a computer game and whatnot. It's not restricted to being pale white geeks playing Dungeons and Dragons. This hitorical interests leads me to want to be part of LW only squad and fight *allies*. This is currently only 50% possible in AH.
2) Planeset. There's a couple of very potent fighters, but then again, these are the two that see any real use in the MA. The LW sorely needs a GOOD jabo; the 1908 as it is is actually a poorer choice for jabo than is the D9 or A8; the A8 carries better guns and has better maneuverability and speed, and the D9 does everything better except it has 4 puny 50kg eggs less. The F8 is a heavy dog with little purpose. of course, i fly it *every time* I go jaboing anyhow - because of historical accuracy
.
3) The guns. Yes, they didn't have as high a velocity on the rounds as the Allied stuff. They didn't jam as often either. Since jamming isn't modelled, the LW guys are shortchanged on this one. Also, while the hispano get AP/HE/IN in one round, the LW has to do with HE. Or those that argue that it is all three; well, it sure as hell ain't minengeschoss. An argument could also be made that HE would be more efficient against a soft target like a plane, whereas AP wuld continue right through. I've seen demonstration of AP and HE rounds, where they were fred at a building. The AP made a wee little hole, the HE took down a wall.
Also, having to close to 300 or less before guns being effective is a serious drawback; i watched Sancho's Rumble films and was amazed at seeing him opening up at d500 with virtually no lead and still hitting. There's a BIG difference in guns.
4) 1 ping engine outs. Not only the LW guys experience this, and those allies flying the 38 know just what I'm talking about. Extremely annoying
5) Small things, such as "ammo counters". no planes had it during WWII, except LW birds, which didn't have counters, but rather another system that gave the pilot a rough estimate of how much ammo he had left. EAW had it, but HTC have conclusively said that it won't be added to AH. I *really* disagree with this decision, but I suspect it has to do with the fact that were it to change, HTC would have to redo every cockpit to accomodate the changes in a pretty fashion.
And lastly, the 109 vs 109/n1k/f4u thingie.
You'll notice that most of these issues are personal preference. Currently, I am still having fun with AH (although much less because I have NO ONE TO FLY WITH). I *hope* that AH will evolve towards MY personal preferences.
