i think the bases are plenty close together. based on last night the bloodshed was incredible. a short flight and a quick trip to the tower. was a good time all and all, even if OM and larry were totally dominating me! 
All of the fights were challenging, Jaeger, I had a great time.
As for the map:  Congratulations to Easyscor and his elves.  HTC won't allow MA maps to have bases this close together (sorry, folks, but I don't think you'll ever see this map in the MAs), but it really works great in AvA.  If you want a low-alt fight, your opponent is almost within sight once you raise the gear.  If you want to grab some alt before engaging, there's another friendly base, just a bit further back (and another one behind that) that will let you do so.  
- oldman (who thinks this map would work even better for the early war, slower planes)