Wiley, with respect, I heartily disagree, and believe you greatly over-estimate the potential negative impact on arena dynamics. We all play for different reasons, at different times. This option would, I believe, increase player immersion and camaraderie. Sneaking in and rescuing someone would be a unique and (to me, anyway) rewarding challenge, just as bringing supplies to a wounded friendly tank to get them back in the fight. I don't believe it would result in more than a fraction of players sitting idle, either (and only one of the two involved would in fact be "idle", the other would be involved in an often tricky and challenging effort to reach the downed pilot). In fact, it could generate more combat, particularly if enemies deduce that a rescue attempt is underway. Imagine that a downed pilot in the no-mans land between two adjacent (from two different countries) bases calls for SAR. It's only a few minutes away by Storch, so someone volunteers (much as we currently volunteer to take supplies to friendly players and bases). However, there are enemy units in the area, so another player or two volunteer to sweep ahead and keep potential vulchers at bay. Suddenly you have a meeting engagement where none might otherwise exist. People interacting, people fighting...isn't that why we play? As for people sitting for long periods waiting for a pickup, I just don't see this as more than a rare occurrence. I know my own dislike for inaction would not allow me to sit idly for much more than 10 minutes while I wait for a pick-up. Few are likely to take the time if the downed friendly is more than even a half sector away. What this does is add a new dimension to game play, and I think that's generally :salutea good thing.
Oh, and it is a fun thing, and my old squad would sometimes simulate it. However, it's more fun when you get some kind of reward for it. Otherwise, why give buff pilots points for bombing strat...if it's fun, they don't need a reward, right?
