It's simple logic.
HTC upped the fuel multiplier for the following reasons IMO;
1) They want to the differences between the planes to show distinctly, so the nimble-but-short-ranged fighters will be facing range problems, and the heavy-but-long-ranged planes would be facing weight problems.
2) They want people using the new RPM/boost related fuel conservation effects.
Despite the huge initial complaints, IMO the 2.0 fuel burn multiplier did work well. In many of the shorter legged planes, I for example, would be travelling with cruise settings most of the time before combat.
Unfortunately, the small overlook in the fuel loading scheme has warped reason 1) in a way that the short-ranged planes feel the impact drastically, but the longer ranged planes do not.
A P-51 with 25% internal flies even longer than an La-7 at 50% - except by use of DTs, the P-51 can fly enroute, grab alt, and choose all sorts of tactical situations for itself which the La-7 cannot, due to the high fuel burn and limited internal range.
For one thing, the La-7 has markedly paid the price of it's performance, by having to carry heavy internal fuel load and STILL be limited to short range...but what price did the P-51 pay in contrast - NOTHING.
If the P-51 should have the leisure of flying at higher alts and longer ranges, then it should also be faced with the problems of heavier internal load, instead of being granted waiver from such by use of the instant "dumpweight" DTs.
Due to the current fuel loading scheme, the longer ranged planes, by use of the DT, misses out both reasons of 1) and 2) stated in the beginning. It's neither effected from the 2.0 fuel multiplier, nor has to use cruise settings or RPM management.
Whilst a Yak and La have to go to alt, throttle/RPM back, and try to conserve as much fuel as they can, the P-51 or P-38 just flies with 25% or 50% internal with DTs, flies enroute with full military. Even with DTs the P-38 or the P-51 is a lot faster and climbs faster than a Yak or a La flying at cruise.
And when combat situation arises, due to stated reasons the Yaks and Las must fight with heavy internal loads most of the times(unless they want to be stranded in enemy territory, unable to make it back). Prolonged use of WEP or full military knocks back on flight time drastically, so the Las and the Yaks must choose its fights carefully, looking at their fuel gauges every moment....whereas the P-51 or the P-38 would just dump DTs, instantly revert to the "light version", and then go utilize it's advantage, shoot down enemies, and still be left with enough fuel to go back.
If there's anything to call BS, I call that.
If a P-38 or a P-51 wants lighter weight for combat, then it should be taking off with 50% in the first place - lighter weight, at the price of markedly shorter range and the need to conserve fuel - JUST LIKE ANY OTHER PLANE.
If a P-38 or a P-51 wants a longer range and the leisure to fly higher than other people, then it should be taking off with heavier fuel load of 100% - longer range, at the expense of weight and combat maneuverability - JUST LIKE ANY OTHER PLANE. This, is already an advantage of being in a longer ranged plane. The shorter ranged planes have no way of extending range even if they wished it. The longer ranged planes are given a choice on flight time which the shorter planes aren't.
But currently, they areable to have it both ways - fly longer and higher, but at lighter combat weight at the same time - which is just plain exploiting the fuel loading system and doubling the advantage of being in a longer-ranged plane to unnecessary levels.
If they want to fly an extra-longer ie. mission escorts and sorts, then that's where they should be using the DTs.
You guys want lighter combat weight in P-47Ns or P-51s?
FINE. TAKE 50% fuel and fly with it.
You hate that? Why?
The reasons you hate that, is something which every other plane is already experiencing. I'm not dumping an UNFAIR shackle or something on you guys. You already have and ADVANTAGE in that your long-ranged plane has been given a choice whether to fly longer but heavier, or fly shorter but lighter.
You guys don't need a second advantage, which makes you exempt from all the problems which every plane must face, in the basic premise of "balance".
