Is it possible to have no icons at all?  Last I heard, the one update removed the ability for 0-length icon distance, and made the minimum 1k or something, is that correct?
If that's the case, why not set up a custom arena with the understanding that all who go in have to turn their icons off?  I would think the dozen of you who enjoy that style of play could make a gentlemen's agreement to leave them off and have fun flying how you like.
Wiley.