From a pure ability standpoint, it should be perked. From a helping new guys not feel like a baby seal standpoint, it should be left unperked. I'm convinced this is why it's not perked. I mean lets face it, we all like to wax poetic about how hard this game can be to learn, especially if you have no historical knowledge of the planes or sim experience. Perking the 16 would probably see less new people stick around long enough to perhaps become a long term customer.
That's what I tell myself anyway..