This highlights some of the snags that the current mission system suffers from. The interface for posting the mission is very VERY old fashioned - one step below would be writing script files in a terminal. The visibility of mission to potential players is non existent and relies on shouts in country channel. The players cannot tweak the loadout of their planes (there should be a flag for the mission designer to not/allow this). There is no “launch now” button... and the list goes on.
You are also correct about the rolling ball effect. Once you get missions going, this will encorage more mission posting. I juggested mission leaders scores and ratings to help with initializing the process and keep its momentum. My experience shows that it is a relatively small number of leader types that do these things and HTC should reward them and make it pleasent and easy for them to post the missions. All these things need to happen roughly together and this is why it is not a mere small patch to the game. On the other hand, this does not require AH4 by a long shot.
I'm also experiencing some strange bugs/glitches in the Pickup Mission Editor.... like freezing the game solid when working from a saved mission trying to edit/place waypoints. Unfortunately the Pickup Mission system leaves a lot to be desired... Skuzzy, I have faith in your hold over HTC (threaten him with a cord pulling "accident").
I like the launch now wish, but I really think there needs to be some form of country wide notification and acceptance option. 10min minimum launch time on my Pickup Missions seems to at least grab a few players from their lone-wolf, pearl-necklace approach to "going where the action is".
In MY opinion, pickup missions are made of the things that "hook" players to this game, coordinated effort with country-men all somewhat focused on the same task... Heck, even classic bomber + escort missions will see action given enough players in the mission (a large dar back from the front line will ALWAYS get red guys intercepting).
HTC and crew, please take a hard look at the Pickup Mission editor/system... Make Pickup Missions Great Again? ? ?
EDIT: There seems to be a tipping point also on country channel, once you get 4-6 players in the mission roster, the general populace seems to be more enticed to join... in the past week, I've gotten on average 3-4 players in mission, but when it reached 6 players, typically it jumped to 10-12 right away... People are funny creatures...
