IMO, 2 sides wouldnt make it better.
One side would always have the higher #s. One side would typically have the better squads. You wouldn't be able to fight somewhere else to avoid fighting players you don't like in some cases. Having more sides is more fun to fight with and against.
It's really a map issue. For example, on the huge donut looking map with oceans in-between the islands. #s late nights are very low, and one side is normally very low. This is because the map is created so that the 3rd side cannot Interupt the other 2 sides fighting, and therefore cannot partake in the fight.
I don't typically like Fighter towns because they defeat the purpose of the objective of winning the war. But the maps should create an opportunity for all sides to be able to fight each other without having to fly 5 sectors.
I will also point out that the majority of players in AH want fighter action, so the maps should benefit that. If you don't believe me. Notice how the 3rd side late at night is normally porkers and tankers trying to beef their stats with little to no opposition. This side typically has the lowest #s for a reason.
I really love the world map concept, but closer bases and smaller areas of fighting are the key.
Normally in AH, I find the biggest fights where there is a tank base in-between 2 fighter fields where you don't have to fly a sector to get to the fight.
Late nights, the farther the bases the slower the fights are. With low #s, people don't like to fly longer than 10 minutes to fight one or 2 guys.