I started playing around late 2009. I have more hours in aces high than I'm happy to admit.
Also having downloaded and made my own soundpacks I can say with certainty that it still lacks very far behind most games. I mean we still don't have proper idle engine sounds (someone said this is too hard to implement, mean while arma 2 implements it very well) also lets not forget plane engine positions being incorrect in a 3D space (p39 engine sounds like its from the front, not rear). Also its impossible to get a Hi Fi sound system by only having "engine" sounds. Currently sound pack makers must mix super charger, turbo charger, prop noise, all into the engine sound.
Also 50 cents a day is honestly silly if you don't play during that day. I suggest a system where you would only pay when you played.
Also, I've seen better conduct on the call of duty forums, its honestly saddening. Look already there is rule #4's being thrown around in this thread. Any sort of argument always turns into personal attacks here, and believe it or not that drives a lot of people away.
This system might cost you more than 50 cents a day. Some people play for 6-7 hours straight, with over 120 hours a month. I'd assume they are getting their money's worth.
Now I do think the 2 weeks free trial should be 2 months or at least 2 months free TA after 2 weeks free in the MA. Then more players would understand the game and more than likely subscirbe.
You realize that COD and Battlefield cost $60 just to buy, not including the rest of the new version landscapes you need to buy. That right there is 5 months of AH up front. If you get the other package maps that's another 40. So 1 payment for battlefield cost half a years worth of AH.
Now I know nothing about sounds, other than you can find people who made them and find what you like. But other than that I really don't know what to tell you.
Every time I log in at 5pm I normally find decent size fights. All it takes is 5 enemy planes and you got yourself a fight. Most people think there has to be 90 planes in the sky for a fight and that is just the noob mentality. Plus fighting against 90 planes is very difficult so be careful what you wish for, even though that would be sweet.