If anyone remembers how I used to approach a fight in this game it goes without saying that I know my way around all sorts of turny burny reversal nonsense and that it was the style that gave me the most enjoyment. Most often I would play from disadvantage deliberately. However I will now uncharacteristically defend the 'stay alive' game play style. Some months I would up a Dstang or a Jug and fly to stay alive. After the first defeat I would then revert. But that pressure or survival, a real life role play if you will, is a valid and difficult act of discipline. It would have been quite boring for me if it was the only style I played, but that is subjective.
I'm sure I've had my fair share of times calling out runtards in the 20 years since first playing AH. But using the online arena for your own personal combat career a la Red Baron or Dawn Patrol is a perfectly fair way to play, I believe.
anyway, having flown about 10 sorties in the last years on aces high I don't really have a right to comment on current affairs.