"The game is all about combat" is only one person's narrow opinion. Hitech created an environment that allows a population of gamers to fly, fight, bomb, gv, gun, and interact. The population then determines through this interaction what the game "is all about".
Obviously the population of late has decided that game play is about large numbers working together and doing "stuff" (commonly referred to as hoarding). This seems to be what the population in general prefers. If this is not something that you as an individual prefers - interact to change it, find a way to have fun and live with it or leave if it is too much to endure. Pretty simple logic.
I myself have been in the game for only about 5 years and have noticed only a slight trending towards the hoarding (seems like the NOE hoards were popular when I started). And like most, I have my opinions for what the game needs (more strategic targets), how it should be changed (fix ENY) and what I like (the camaraderie with all my friends in the game).
I also recognize that in a dynamic such as this, small changes to the environment can sometimes have a great impact on game play for the general population, either good or bad - I applaud Hitech's skill and restraint at not over-reacting to the opinion of the whiners!
And most importantly - IT"S A CARTOON GAME FOR GOSH SAKES!