Yes, it is called a semi- realistic simulation of an actual combat situation. With icons, much less chance of that happening.
GGed?
GG means Good Game or slang for getting whooped. "GG noob"
Flying with icons off is great in the right setting, but it takes much more fighter combat understanding to be good at it.
You have to react a lot more quickly when the icons are off. You also have the ability to be very sneaky. If icons were off in the MA, and it was Axis V allies, you can bet I'd be eating noobs for dinner who didn't see me. Also, judging people's range from Icon distance is very built in. Without icon distance you have to judge your timing a lot more closely. Many players already have no clue about timing even when icons are on. Flying without Icons is much more challenging and takes a very good understanding of flight combat and an even better understanding of Situation Awarness to be good at.
I like the icon distance in the FSO because it limits ganging. Instead of a guy 5K away who sees your fight to come gang. They have to be closer. You also can sometimes get a better jump on unsuspecting opponents, so it makes it more intense. With a 3K range it keeps the fights more compact because people typically need to stay in range to view their opponent.