I haven't spoken via PM or via telephone lately to anybody about the game (mainly because I don't see a crisis, nor do I need to invent one for me to rally the masses over). I've friends and associates in the game that won't skip a fight no matter the planes involved or the advantage or disadvantage. I've friends and associates that would rather try to 'fly smart' and see if they can replicate, to some degree, the tactics used by WWII pilots (fighter or bomber). I'm somewhere in between, depending on mood or circumstance. Many are 'old timers', some are not. When it comes to GV fights ... I'm not one to say (I don't GV all that much) but I've seen big fights from the air. I didn't form a committee to arrive at a consensus.
So, my question isn't multiple choice. It's direct and it's more to do with perception and presumption. It also requires a preface statement:
It's been claimed that Players aren't having fun and are leaving the game, supposedly because of players who are having fun that don't 'play fair.' (The statement - derived from the closing remarks in the original post.)
Is it really the behavior and attitude of the players that are having fun playing AH the way it was designed to be played that is at fault?
There are several players that have left for that reason that I've flown with. No idea if those alone have effected the numbers. Has the game play changed since I started? Yes. I know some have stated it's the same and maybe for them it hasn't, but it has changed and evolved. Whether it's for the better or not is something everyone has to decide for themselves. No point in me stating my opinion as it will just inspire more BBS bantering. As long as I have friends to fly with, I'll be here.
All of us here have more in common than we suppose. We love the game and the competition. It amazes me that we adults act like children at times.