I understand Landing with gear down is preferred, but if heavy damaged or pilot wound it's not always that easy. AH2 was much easier to do land without landing gear. If AH3 is purposely making it more difficult, then I'll suck it up. I just was an answer if it's a bug, or something new to the game.
It is more than possible that AH3 has made it more difficult to belly land, though I honestly have not experienced any issues (provided my speed was below 150 and my nose wasn't pointed down too far)
I also have yet to try a ditch in the water, I feel it would be much harder to accomplish.