My God, you waffle more than John Kerry. You say that both styles of play are necessary to sustain healthy play, but then turn around and insult 'land grabbers' as Noobs because VETs should be bored of that style. By the way, I would like to see your data to support that the real estate game is dominated by new subscribers. Had you really wanted to prove your point, you certainly could have examined at least some percentage of 'top' players and checked to see how many bases they have or have not taken. At least then your statement could have merit. On the other hand, your unsupported statement (which is opinion) being represented as fact, has no more merit or basis than some idiot making a blanket statement that "all illegal immigrants are stupid, alcoholics, who drive dunk."
As to the point regarding the bombers shutting down the furball.... Again, one would have to know the 'bombers' motivation. If it is for the sole purpose of trying to ruin others fun, you are 100% correct - it should be frowned upon and stopped. However, as others have stated, they could see the furball, assume there is a contested battle and shut down the field to further 'their sides' cause. (Might have done the wrong thing, but for the right reason.) Or you might consider that the pickers in the furball were winning out and pushing the fight back to the 'bombers' bases. Once the furball has been pushed too close to one side, that side can no longer get the altitude to mount a proper defense; the result, they get shot down again and the fight gets pushed even further toward the base. Eventually, there exists a vulch opportunity. Therefore, an enterprising bomber ups from a rear base and takes down the hangers at opposing field. Thus, the fight is able to get pushed back toward the enemy field and the furball can continue back on more neutral ground.
Again, you can't make a blanket statement that all 'hanger bangers' are fun killers. If you want to sustain your furball, then have a few guys stay high and wait for the bombers -- when they come hanger banging who will be the more surprised now (assuming 999000 is not in the gun)
Now, for the record, I am not supporting one style of play or the other. They are all a part of the game that HTC designed. Let people play, encourage good sportsmanship, and enjoy the game. What I am denouncing is people who assume that furballing is the elitist skill and anyone who disagrees must be a noob because "no self-respecting vet" should be interested in base captures. If that is your mentality, I would encourage your to bend over and kiss me right in the crack of my azz.
Lawman, your only reading what you wanna hear. If you took as only noobs fly the base take game, then so be it. Im not an exact statistics guy (waiting for lusche to chime in), but from experience you are more likely to have guys that are relativly new fly those NOE missions and try to win maps than you are to have guys that have been playing this game who just like to kill things. They wanna be part of something big so even if they fly these missions, they manage to take down one ack gun, or accidently bomb the undestructable, when the base turns green, its a sense of accomplishment.
I remember you from way back, I know you like to join missions for the comradary. The joy of flying with a bunch of buddies all with the same goal. Also Ive never seen you as the type to complain, but ask yourself this: would what I was doing tick me off if it was done to me? I have seen plenty of times on 200 the whines of "HOARDES" coming from guys that are the first to join the same type missions when tables are turned and suddenly they are the ones having to fight them.
Again, if you play the base take game, you are required to play a "gamey" type game..admit it!! You need the #s to back you up, You need to remove the opposition thats fighting you back or your goal will not be reached.
Theres a reason why these Mega-squads are hated, and why is that? Im no member of any elitist club, nor am I sportin the cape and tights for justice and humanity, nor do I claim that my playing habbits fall in the codes of honor. Im stating how I feel on certain aspects of gameplay. If the above really upsets me, then I have the power to log off or join another arena if I want to.