The reasons for my strong views come with a history.
I started in Warbirds in 1998 and was greeted by a huge sandbox in which everyone played. It was more than I could have dreamed when I popped 1942 Gold in my Amiga and flew my first plane a long time ago. It was so much fun I was spending a hundred bucks a month playing in that sandbox.
Slowly but surely over time the sandbox disappeared from WB. How ?? Realism freaks. Now don't take it the wrong way, realism in scenario's is what you strive for. In some ways the CT is geared "more" to that end.
Realism, as some would want, has NO place in the sandbox.
Realism in the general multi-player flight sim can best be summed up by an ex-squad members Lizkng's statement. 10 percent of the sim population enjoy realism 100% of the time. 90 percent of the sim population enjoy realism 10 percent of the time. Wiser words were never said, and those percentages bear out with real numbers. Argue that fact until your blue in the face, then check the CT numbers on an average night and explain that to me.
The Main is for dropping in, flying a few, have some laughs with your friends..
The sandbox disappeared over the hill. The first thing that left was all-seeing radar. Realistic ??? Oh yes. I have logged onto WB with better than a hundred people on and saw 8 dots on radar, 6 of them friendly. I have flew for 15 minutes towards enemy dots to arrive and find enemy vehicles.. Oh it felt so real.
Less choice.
But flying against the same plane wasn't historical so let's fly axis vs. allied. That worked out well, gottawins just switched sides as the next "uber" ride was released. Late war ran 2 to 1 allied..
Less choice.
A forced RPS that some rave about. Well "if" my FAVORITE ride is a Pony, I get to fly it ONE week out of the month. No fears here about that ever happening thank God.
Less choice.
Ya mess with the sandbox, my antennas are up. Fields too far apart promote one type of aircraft, fuel restrictions because of easy fuel porkage promote one type of aircraft. You all argue that there are too many uber planes up. Well jeez when you got 25% fuel, WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO FLY ????
Less choice.
Strat and fur can coexist, it does and it can continue to do so.
When the strat in regards to what the general discussion that is going on affects the sandbox in anyway. Your going to hear about it.
Suggestions for nudges as beet1e detests are changes that in my view that increase the choices in the sandbox. Might see a few more midwar planes if the fields were closer and the fuel wasn't an easy pork. Not rocket science.
It increases the strat challenges, and makes the "sandbox" more fun for those that like to get dirt in their cuffs.
More choice.
The Main isn't a recreation of the war that grandpappy flew in. It's a sandbox, it brings people to the game for an hour of damn good fun when the urge strikes. We shoot stuff, the strat guys take bases, we all have fun in this big sandbox.
The scenarios and CT are there for those that care to indulge, and most do 10 percent of the time..
Great sandbox here.
Lost one, gained another.
The "casual" gamer has a window in which to play. Opportunities to play within a small time frame where EVERYONE can have fun is what makes a sandbox.
Please note: Everyone
Because in the end, the more that have fun, the more that contribute to Dale's "next" plane..
It's kinda personal.
And unfortunatly for you all, I'm a good typer..
..and I forgot to add that Sax is a dirty bastage and his soggy butt is mine this tour...
Or my dog is going to hate the day he was born...
