Ok, the problem and the solution is really simple...
THE PROBLEM:
The problem is multi-faceted. We have a game that began as an air combat 'sim' that decided at some point to widen its scope in an attempt to endeavor to be all things for all people. Obviously, this is impossible to do. In even trying to accomplish this impossible feat the core component (air combat) became diluted and to some extent, especially on certain maps (ie: pizza map), superfluous.
Another problem is we have a wide range of players from the greatly experienced to the true newbie who just picked it up last week after seeing the commercial on Discovery Wings. The newbie has none of the 'old vets' sense of WW2 Combat Flight sim culture and is likely just extrapolating the same mind-set template from whatever game represents his last massively-multiplayer online gaming experience (ie: Quake/Doom).
The latest problem with the game is what I call the attempts by HT to 'socialize' the MA in the political sense. Whereby, almost all components that previously added variety, unpredictability and a requirement to adapt new and unique strategies to counter are completely removed in favor of a homogenized population where distinctions are washed away, leaving nothing but a bland, barren landscape of predictability and repitition without purpose.
THE SOLUTION:
The solution is twofold, what we as the player can do and what HTC can do. I will not address what I think HTC should do as I feel that has been covered ad nauseum in other threads. As far as what we the player can do, there are several things.
First of all, I will use myself as an example. With the exception of the first six months I played AW in 1992 I have flown as I would have if I were an actual WW2 pilot (lone wolf), to survive. Between 1992 and now there have been several versions of AW and 2 versions of AH. Many times during that period I was confronted with situations, both game based and player based, that made my particular way of enjoying the game more problematic, for me there was just one solution , adapt. This is my advice to anyone, adapt your tactics/style to accomodate the environment. Don't expect the environment to adapt to your tactics/style, it ain't gonna friggin' happen, the next ice age will happen first I promise you.
Secondly, realise your average newbie that just started last week after seeing the commercial almost certainly does not read these forums. If the way the 'new blood' plays is disconcerting to your 'old vet' sensibilities well, it's in your vested interest to indoctrinate these newbies. Take some time, make them aware of what actions are 'cool' or not, don't expect them to pick this stuff up by osmosis.
The last thing is, realise when you are the problem, I have taken many breaks over the years from a day to 2 years. Don't keep playing after the most common thing you see referenced to you on channel 200 is, "Zazen, you forget your meds today?!?!". The furstration level often reaches a point where the flaws you see in the game or the players seem far more impactfull and pronounced than they normally otherwise would. Have the introspective analysis to know when to step back from the stick, take a deep breath and re-assess what it is about this 'game' that is getting you upset and whether or not it's really worth it.
Peace!
Zazen
