I disagree. You can run good missions on the small maps no problem. Some of the best missions I've flown happened last night. You can't tell me for one second that you can't get a buff formation to altitude without getting jumped. We took 7 formations of Ki67s to 15k and leveled and airfield, zero opposition. The trick is you take off from a field in the rear, not a field that is about to be overrun or generating a furball.
Also remember a Mossie mission to take a field last night also. Very successful, very fun.
Small maps will get porked quickly but they also get reset quickly. Countries simply have to adjust their tactics (I say that loosely) for the size of the map. You might have to move quicker to defend the HQ.
Personally I like the variety, large small maps, keeps things interesting and moving.....