I don't know.. feels kind of like CFS2, but I feel optimistic about it. In any case, more realism is always welcome for me - all the tedious switches and stuff would mean it more time invested to learn proper control of them, and in that case, I think we could say we really "learn the plane".
Learning different procedures was a fun task in CFS2(probably the only fun part, in my opinion), and it is no doubt that if you like that kind of tedious, fun, small immersion factors.. you'd soon come to like Rabaul.
The FM does feel a bit funky - in my case, the rudder input was pretty wild. Also, as Batz points out, the consequences of badly trimmed surfaces is downright outrageous. I actually had very much trouble trying to throw the stick forward to keep level flight, since probably like everyone else, I also confused the "up" and "down" elevator trim. I tried to compare the F4U-1 of AH and TR, but quickly gave up, because I couldn't figure out how to manage the F4U-1 properly. Trying different mixture, blower, boost settings and stuff..(anyone got a Hog pilot's manual?? Sheesh!)
However, considering it is a game made of 'loose' structuring in development, I think it has potential. Terrains and effects can always be upgraded. The FM can be cleaned out a bit, and the settings can be finalized and tidily.
For an "open Beta", it isn't really that impressive.. maybe "open Alpha" would be more appropriate, but as I said, again, I think it's got potential.
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I especially like the engine management and stuff.
I think the future tasks for game programmers of all titles, WB, AH, TargetW, WW2OL etc etc.. would be to figure out a good idea to implement easy access to realistic factors, without making it too gamey.
Compared to the procedures in TR or CFS, even FB engine management is a joke. But since we don't have any of realistic feedback the pilots would feel when they push, pull, trigger switches and levers.. the vibration of the plane... different sound pitch and etc.. obviously the "look down the dashboard" is not gonna work. However, putting in generic instruments like AH is effective, but takes out a lot in immersion.
I guess we'll just have to wait for new innovative methods of depicting realistic management, without having to "Zoom in.... move mouse...stare at instrument....try to make out what the black/white smudge is pointing at...." process.