177-A3 was produced in large numbers, the A5 wasn't and saw limited service compared to the earlier version. True the A5 fixed most the problems, but it also got fixed a little to LATE. Its bad enough our planes fly in perfect condition - even if we do get the 177-a3 its not going to have any problems what so ever even if you do fly on max power the entire flight.
If we need a perked bomber, the A3 will do just fine. Much as I would hate to see another Axis perk ride, fact is other Luftwaffe aircraft played a larger roll then the 177 - but if we are going to get it, its going to be perked.