I made my original comments rather peevishly, immediately after trying the "new" DA for the third time and getting the same experience as before -- essentially getting gang banged by 5 "red" icons while still at the "green" base. Don't know who they were, but what we had wasn't a duel by any interpretation. As I've said before, it was just a mini-MA encounter, which was what I was trying to get away from by leaving the MA.
Anyway, I was frustrated, a little angry, and wanted to spark some comment, and hopefully get some response from HiTech on the topic, which I haven't seen on any of the related threads.
As for the thought about training as it relates to the DA. Yes, the TA is the best place for newbies to learn the basics of AH flying. In my early career here, Ren gave me some good starting points, but I couldn't always find him, or another free trainer when I was on, and it was always with a group of 2 or 3 newbs. One-on-one time was limited, and honestly, I didn't know to ask for a private appointment.
However, I soon discovered the DA, and learned who the better pilots were by getting my butt kicked. But unlike the kiddy vulchers, I was respectful of other people's fights and always polite. I soon learned to ask what I was doing wrong and what would help me. I never, ever had a veteran pilot refuse either to give me pointers, constructively critique my ACM, or even offer one-on-one training, inviting me to join and fly with them. I've been schooled to a greater or lesser degree by alot of great guys and sticks -- Phish, Hemp, Wittmann, Creton, Sniper, Wolfala, Chark, and many others.
In martial arts, the primary rule of training is, seek out someone of a higher belt to spar and train with. This is what the DA provides to help people learn ACM and other secrets of Aces High. No appointments, no waiting, and real time success or failure measurement.
Its not a replacement for the TA, nor a repetition of the TA, but rather a suppliment and useful compliment to the TA. And, in addition, its a place to duel to test your mettle, do 'live' squad practices, or rap with friends and MA opponents.
The current solution ends most all of that and I think the much greater majority of pilots who use it would even prefer the teenie/vulcher/cherrypickers to leaving the DA the way it is now.
And, I also would volunteer to act as an un-paid, concientious observer/moderator, as I spend roughly a third of my average 4 to 6 hours a day flying time in the DA anyway. At least I did before kill shooter was turned on.
