how many players on at the same time?
semp
It doesn't matter. DCS is so riddled with bugs, non-functional systems, and a bogus (that's right, I said bogus) flight model. The exact same concept in flight models was available very early on in another game called
Fighter Duel. The only thing DCS has introduced is an expansion of aircraft and graphics.
Computers are still at this time unable to recreate the reality of flight. Each and every flight simulator, combat or otherwise, has its own strengths and weaknesses.
I believe Aces High 3 is the best environment, not because of realism but because of "entertainment." DCS falls flat when it comes to entertainment. When it is new and fresh it's great. After you have flown everything in that simulator it's just like furballing in Aces High (any genre). You can name any other title. The entertainment value is gone after some period of time.
Aces High 3 has much, much more to offer. That's what it boils down to.
(EDIT) And before you mention cockpit fidelity let me ask this: Do you really think Hitech cannot add switches and knobs? That would not add a single thing to this game. The entertainment value added by switches and knobs is gone after the 'new-ness' factor wears off.