However, this is a question of game policy, and there is a difference. While we as players can debate the ethics of this act or that HTC would get multiple account payments from this, a statement of policy from HTC on this would go a long way. Personally I find it unacceptable for all the reasons outlined elsewhere in this thread.
What say you, HiTech?
I doubt we will see a straightforward reply from HT on this, and not for the monetary reason some suggest.
The problem with making rules is that there is then an obligation to enforce them. The problem seems to be that they have enforced it in the past, which has set a precedent. But even with the community policing and "outing" the shade-vulchers, HTC probably doesn't want to have to spend their time researching and enforcing these cases (nor should they have to spend time doing so).
I do agree that something should be done to close this loophole, however. I agree with those who think that shade-vulching is a form of cheating, in that it cheats the perk system. Perk points are in place for a reason, to restrict the use of certain planes in the plane-set and limit their numbers in the arenas. Shade-vulching (or squad-fratricide) bypasses and abuses that system. Shooting down your complicit friend in Midwar should not allow you fly better planes in the Late War MA.
An easier way to deal with the issue, without requiring HTC to police and enforce it, is to simply
make perks arena specific. Then shade-vulching in the midwar arena wouldn't enable anyone to fly more 262's (or other perk planes) in the LWMA. Yes, the shade-vulchers may then move it to the MA, but the higher population of players there would certainly make it harder to do without interference (especially once announced on 200).
My two cents on the subject...
