Not sure what you mean by that, and thay combination works quite well for the vast majority of other sims, BoS being a possible exception. I'd add all of these sims have a far larger active user base than AH. Doesn't make them right or AH users wrong, but it does open up questions why this difference of opinion exists. I'm not really sure to be honest.
It is clunky as hell.
Yes, it is called a semi- realistic simulation of an actual combat situation. With icons, much less chance of that happening.
GGed?
If by "realistic" you mean "horribly unrealistic", sure.
I've played enough no, or limited icons, to know it sucks. I work 70 hours a week. Chasing dots for 10 minutes that are running from a dot only to find that we're both friendlies is not fun.
Favoring ultra-low altitude combat is not realistic.
The number of players who are downed when they aren't in combat maneuvers in a no, or limited icon, environment is not realistic.
This request is about selective realism and nothing more.