Ill go ahead and add my version I guess.
I jumped aboard in tour Feb-Mar 2003 but as far back as I can look back on my old call signs and the logs I cant find anything before tour 66 07/01/05-07/31/05, but I still believe it was 2003. Doobs 1177 nickle betty triumph 68KO Yoda Marlin Daddyack and tons more to add to the list that either arent with us any more R.I.P. or just dont play anymore. I was still in my 2week trial when i joined up with Armed and Hammered 2003?
Anyways I was a 13yr old squeaker and didnt know my arse from a hole in the ground. Anybody who saw me struggling would offer to take me to the DA and help me. They would let me ride along while they fought someone and tell me what/when/how they are doing things then let me apply what I learned and critique me. After some time I left them and joined the JG44 Night Hawks which at the time would have no less than 30 pilots on during prime time, the old towns were still being used and we would always run 110s NOE for base takes this was around 2005. I remember the 2 LW arenas and Titanic Tuesdays. There were still chest thumpers and smack talk but it wasnt taken the way it is these days, less whines maybe? I dunno. I do notice that the community has changed but I wouldnt say it isnt less fun or any worse, Then again changes depended on how YOU can adapt and handle them.
Steal the sheepz...hmm I dont really know how it will affect the game over all. I do hope it pulls newbies in and they "graduate" to the MAs. But at the same time I dont like the idea of opening another arena that could potentially pull what few there are away from the war. However, if the new update draws in new players it could balance out or infact grow back to the glory days when you had to keep trying to get into orange arena to fly with your squaddies.
I do look forward to the changes and hope for the best. The community will always be changing we just have to learn to adapt to what is changing in order to enjoy it. <S> 49Boob
OH and Deli! what happened to Silat?!?!?!?!?!?!?!? I miss his cross dressing antics and P38s mastery

he was a friend that I enjoyed flying with