How about having real players as troops to capture a base insted of computer gens? reduce the number of troops needed to 5 , but have them join the guy running the the goon , M-3 or LVT. The pilot would still be in control of dropping them, and chutes would auto open( static line style ) , but each trooper would have to run to the maproom on their own.
Anyone in a plane that bails would not be able to capture, but could decoy any strafers, and players could spread out and make it tougher to strafe than a single line of guys, and could avoid GV's in town insted of running right into them.
This might also serve to cut down on the milkrunning undefended bases on the big maps.
I know this is an Air combat sim, but we do have gv's and field/ GV gunners, so why not manable troops. And I realize that it's hard enough to find 1 guy to fly a goon at times, let alone 5 to go with him, but if you really want the base....earn it.
Just a thought
As always, feel free to correct spelling, call me a dweeb, or rant on endlessly about what a stupid idea it is
