Well, I got the itch, again. I have played off and on over the years and I always seem to get frustrated with one thing or another with Aces High. I have gotten competent at flying various planes, but I stopped the last time because of the community. Now I am wanting to get back into it, but these forums are my only real window to the game without paying to play. All I can say is holy s***, some bad forum posts. Is it still worth it? Does anybody out there still enjoy this? I don't bomb and bail. I am not above bombing strats, running resupply, pounding towns, or furballing, but I won't run. I enjoy a fight. Does anybody on these forums play with any sense of honor or code of conduct? I really like aces high, but would like to see and hear some good before I take the plunge, again.
I think you've answered your own question. You sound like you have a real positive attitude, and this game, like most others online, are what you make of them. There is ALWAYS going to be a percentage of players that aren't happy with various things, at various times, myself included, but I've found that still after 16 years playing here, that there is always something fun or new to do.
It'd be a really good idea to come back now, and shake some rust off, and meet some new people, as the new version is coming along, and you'll be a lot better set to get into that if you've come back before it and a whole pile of new players come along at that time.
I would also say don't judge the game itself from the forums. Play the game itself and then make up your own mind. I don't think you'll regret coming back if you do it that way.