I enjoy AH for what it is: a balanced game. However, at times AH's graphics (eye candy to some) seem dated, its gunnery a bit too easy to master, and FM that don't feel right (slow speed approaches is when it feels most unrealistic). I play both and enjoy both, perhaps in a few months FB will fade--which it will--but I will still play AH because I enjoy the human element (and lots of it). BUT, imo AH has some issues that should be addressed that would increase its future viability.
In response: I doubt there was ever one instance of a b-17 exploding into thin air on one pass--perhaps being mortally wounded yes, but total and abrupt destruction no? Perhaps with a well placed 88mm flak shell or a direct hit on an O2 bottle--but please total destruction? Sorry I dont have the time to research this more to flesh out this issue a bit more would make an interesting paper: B-17's Survivability and the Leathality of the Luftwaffe Cannon: A Study. But alas my thesis was on Car Culture and its effect on American Armour tactics in the western front 1944-45.
FB is not the valhalla of games, but neither is AH--both have thier short comeings and strengths.
jeezy