the problem is not really the game, but more they dont really understand the limits of their own set up.  I have a pretty fast computer with an above normal gpu but I wouldnt think of running graphics at 8192 as I know that my system cant.  however I know that my system can do shadows at 4096 and get full frames.  my old system could do 2048 shadows at full frames.
having said that, I still dont know why I cant do more than 50 fps in world of tanks.  and I lag like crazy when I add custom sounds.  you think with my set up I shouldnt have a problem.  but I am not as familiar with my set up and wot as I am with aces high.
I have only had problems playing aces high even with my old gateway dual core twice.  I couldnt figure out why I couldnt use the ' key to give check sixes and I couldnt zoom in and out of tanks.  other than that I could play with frames at about 20.  once i switched from dial up to dsl my frames went to 40's and I could see everything better.  after I decided to build my own computer I could almost max out all the settings.  except for the 8196 shadows, that I know for sure my sytem cant handle it.  why you are even trying to play with shadows that high just tell me that you dont know your limitations.  a wise man once said " a man gotta know his limitiations", i think you should learn the limitations of your system.  then the comparison from another game to ah will be more even.
semp