Since my return to AH this past winter, I have switched sides each tour and have found that to be a very fun and interesting process. I've met a lot of players who I've never flown with, have been asked to join squad channels and fly with various squads and have really had a great time meeting all these different folks. I fight just as hard to help whatever side I am flying with that tour. And doing so for a whole tour gives me a chance to build a little camaraderie with that side, which is something I feel I've been able to do with all three countries.
One of
the best compliments you can get in AH is when people on the side you join say things like "It's so good to see you green!" or "You gave us fits last month! So glad you are on our side!" To be respected as both a worthy foe and welcome friend is something to aspire to in the game, IMO.
I have great respect for the squads (like the AK's) who routinely fly different sides each tour. I'd like to see more squads do this, as it shakes things up and keeps the game from feeling stagnant with the same people on the same sides all the time. It's also easy to build up an animosity always flying against the same people, whereas flying with them gives you more insight into who they really are. If you think someone is a real A-hole,
go fly on their side for a while -- best case, you'll find out they aren't the monster you think they are and worst case they'll remove all doubt and confirm what you thought.
This is why I will continue to switch each month and happily fly with different squads in the MA. Whether you're a whole squad or a lone-wolfer, I suggest you give a side-switch a try too. You'll meet more people, gain new friends, frustrate a new "enemy" and most importantly, perhaps realize that even your most "hated opponents" are probably more like you than you think -- someone who enjoys this crazy sand-box world that is Aces High.
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