I agree with verm on everything but the HA.
I actually don't think an HA would work well either. I find the use of the words "historical" and "arena" in the same sentance somewhat of a oxymoron.
I'm for a continuing historical "event" system. It would take alot of work and some programming accomodations by HTC, but I think there are things that would be great for everyone.
How about this:
Squadrons sign up for the event and participate as squadrons with rank in place. The squadron signs up for very specific times and the managers (who act more as generals) assign missions to the squads. This missions will be realistic in nature. Everyone participating has recorders on.
The missions will be accurate based on the plane assigned to the squad. If it is a P-47 squad, they will recieve joint attack and escort. P-51's will escort buffs. Spitfires will fly defensive patrol. LW planes will do their thing.
When a squad of P-47's goes on a Jabo mission, they may or may not encounter fighters on their way to the target. There won't be any kind of "You will be meeting x ammont of x aircraft on the way" planning. It is up to the units to prepare for it.
Any kills will be awarded by the event managers after a review of the film. Anyone that is killed, can re-join at the next squad night, but must be reset in rank and treated as a newbie.
Basically, there needs to be an attempt to make more than just the machups historically accurate. Tough missions and easy missions.. unknown elements. Flying to live combined with flying to accomplish missions. That, in my oppinion, would be a blast.
AKDejaVu