You guys are missing what is important for any new person coming to Aces High. Offline is a great way to get used to the user interface, all the commands, the configuration options, getting sticks setup, testing flight models and a plethora of other things that have to be done before you can actually "play" the game.
Yeah, what Skuzzy said. I flew offline for close to a month. I used to fly Falcon4.0 and needed to learn the new keyboard commands, view system, how to take off, fly without crashing, land without crashing, etc. etc.
Last thing I wanted to do is waste my free two-week trial by just trying to get airborne and do basic pilot stuff.
To the Fighter Aces guys who are thinking of coming over to Aces High...welcome. I'm sure you'll find more people willing to help and form new friendships with, than the few truely ultra melon numpties who's only goal in life is to pee on everyone's cornflakes. If you bring your FA squaddies, there's no reason you can't re-form the squad here. But in any case, fly around and see who flies and fights the way you want and ask if they'd be willing to let you tag along for a while. No reason to join up or expect anyone to ask you to join up with a squad right away.