Could it be that some folks always seem to have opinions not related to the discussion at hand?
The AvA icon range has long been a discussion. I see why it was brought up, seeing as icons and dots serve the same purpose, to aid in the lack of visibility.
Those of you who object to the use of no icons at all, most certainly should "see" how the previous dot range in AH3 was "successful" as a much needed tool to find potential threats and targets. As I said in my previous post, if I can have it and you have the ability to turn it off, what is the harm?
Funny, because that was the argument given to AvA staffers when they had icons turned off.
I too, have a very strong opinion, but I will see what the result of discussion will render, if anything. Then, I must do what serves me best. 
Chilli, altering the icon ranges or adding giant dots ruins game play because it unrealistically skews tactics and alters which aircraft features are more and less important. It ends up turning the entire game into a giant meat-grinder where the main deciding factor is more or less whoever is lucky enough to show up last.
While you are correct in stating that real life vision is better than what is produced by a monitor, AH2 and AH3 already have TONS of compensating factors in game. The Icons are already more than sufficient by themselves. The game does not need small battleships for dots at 10 miles distance. It is not realistic at all.
Building SA, and making decisions based on it, is a critical skill set for any fighter pilot.
It is fairly clear however that there is a growing cult inside of this community whose sole desire is to turn the game into a endless mindless fur ball and nothing else.
These people don't like being ambushed.
They don't like someone running from them.
They don't like it when they get shot down by flak.
They don't like it when bombers bomb things that inconvenience them.
They don't like it when someone climbs away from them.
They don't like people who fly higher than whatever altitude they have deemed to be subjectively unreasonable.
They don't like it when people run into flak to avoid a unfair fight.
Or having to deal with any aspect of the game that doesnt fall into a tiny sub-section of cult-approved activities. Which is more or less just flying around in circles on the deck.
Generally speaking, this cult doesn't like anything that results in a battle that isnt either a rolling scissors or a traditional two-circle geometry turning duel. Heaven forbid they not be granted instant SA no matter how careless they may be, because its a cardinal sin to kill them when they are unawares. It is also unspeakable to insinuate the the game play should feature tactical decisions more complicated than choosing between a left or right turn.
You have to wonder why they havent suggested simply giving planes infinite icons that you can see across the map! After all, this would help everyone "find a fight"
Oh wait I have an even better Idea! We have one single map with 3 airfields in a triangle. Then we remove all the planes in the game except the Hayabusa. Then we put a big concrete sphere around the fields so no one can climb or run. This will also remove all that pesky strategic level stuff from the game. There will be no bombers of course. Then we can all fly around like a bunch of flys next to a lamp post. Sounds fun.