Hi Aviar,
you're forgetting an important difference about padlocking in respect of RB3D: when you hit, for instance, "M" key, RB3D
performs search for you and then padlocks! To padlock on a flight mate in IL-2 you must have it in front sight, first, not to mention that IL-2 does not distinguish between "mate" and generic "friendly". So if you want padlock a mate, you must first perform his visual identification, which is impossible if he'sn't very close, that's to say you need (again) icons!
I'm always for maximum available customization, let no-padlock fans free to play the way they like. This does not force to have icons, if more effective devices are implemented.
I respect your opinion, although would be curious to know what's worse in RB3D system.
Cheers,
GB