[bw_wolverine]

I voted to let me decide my own windows, but I do feel that the damage indicator is a bit too much info for a full real server.

Example:

I was flying in a high g manoeuvre against a 109 in my Spit Ia and lost controls for a second. At first I thought it was just speed compression or what have you, but then I started to think maybe those bullets severed something. With a 109 still in the area, I had to make a decision quickly about whether or not I could continue the fight or try to break off and flee.

Damage window would have instantly told me the answer the moment it happened (if damage was the issue) and I wouldn't have had that interesting decision to make. (I held on and made the right decision, controls were okay).

Forget the fact that having the damage indicator on is a little bit of a cheat (not calling people who use it cheaters, cheat it probably the wrong word but I can't think of the right one), having it on really robs you off a lot of the amazing fun of a quality damage model. Just KNOWING that one of a great many things COULD be broken gets your heart racing and your pilot skills humming. You very quickly learn how to properly check your instruments for good running numbers.

I could give other examples. Landing gear is a great one. Without the damage indicator, you really have to be aware of your gear when you come in for a landing rather than just remembering you saw a damage notice that the gear was damaged. I always check the gear indicator (even on flights I haven't been shot at) because it's very easy to attempt to land after you feel enough time has gone by that your gear is down and then suddenly realize that it's not fully extended on one side or there other. I have had to make 2 landings using the compressed air emergency gear release, and one landing with gear up after I couldn't get it down.

So while I'd never tell anyone what they should or shouldn't have on their own screen if it's an option, I will say that playing without the damage indications is a lot of fun in itself and recommend it. You're missing out on a big part of the sim with it on I think.