AH has well documented strategy and goals to meet if you want to win. AH also has the challenge of playing against real people which will challenge your pilot skills. The challenge of the other players is enough for me.
The docs that came with GTA3 (PC version) are pretty much useless, in this regard, except for the large map that came with the game.
If the point of the game is just to steal and slaughter, then it is not a game I could enjoy. With any game it is personal preference. Some like RPG, some don't, some like FPS, some don't. Heck, I am not sure how this game should be classified. I like a good FPS game and I also like good strategy games, but this game does not seem to meet either criteria.
If you like it, then that is a-ok by me. I purchased the game without doing enough research on it. If I had gone to to the WEB site I would have never purchased the game in the first place, so it is my fault I am out $50. At least moose was kind enough to offer me $5 for it.