I've met many people in the il2 community over the years,from many different countries. Oleg Maddox and Ilya Shevchenko (Luthier), quite a few JG52, Danger dogz, various EAF members.
Never felt the need for a punch up when meeting them face to face
Forums bring out the worst in people, and trolls,who would never dream of meeting you in real life, or even speaking to you on comms, have a perfect arena to play in.
Personally I'm going to stop asking and start waiting.If it works out,great. If it doesn't I shall just drift away.