Smug Question, but a question never the less.

[Smidlee]

I've never read or seen anywhere the P-51 handle as badly as it is in the game. You can learn everything there is to know about the P-51 including fly a real one and it still handles like crap in this game. Besides, any knowledge I gain about WW2 planes doesn't help me one bit in real life.
When it comes down to it to some it's just a game. I know I wouldn't use the same tactic in real life as I have in a FPS.

This game (especially the PC version) has a very steep learning curve. Because of this I think it's better to stick with one or two planes until you learn how to knock down planes. I totally disagree with you that a novice should try to learn the characteristic of every plane as I have no doubt there some players can take the P-51 and shoot me down no matter what I fly. One of the things that discourages me from playing online PC IL-2 a few years ago was there were so many good players who has played IL-2 for years. Some seem to be able to kill the pilot with a few shoots.

[Soviet Ace]

Originally Posted by Smidlee

I've never read or seen anywhere the P-51 handle as badly as it is in the game. You can learn everything there is to know about the P-51 including fly a real one and it still handles like crap in this game. Besides, any knowledge I gain about WW2 planes doesn't help me one bit in real life.
When it comes down to it to some it's just a game. I know I wouldn't use the same tactic in real life as I have in a FPS.

This game especially the PC version does have a very steep learning curve. Because of this I think it's better to stick with one or two planes until you learn how to knock down planes. I totally disagree with you that a novice should try to learn the characteristic of every plane as I have no doubt there some players can take the P-51 and shoot me down. That's one of the things that discourages me from playing online PC IL-2 a few years ago was there were so many good players who has played nothing but IL-2 for years. Some seem to be able to kill the pilot with a few shoots.

I didn't say all the planes, just the planes they frequently use. It does help believe me. My friend was clueless while flying the Spitfire MkIX, but once he looked some stuff up on it etc. he's a pro now.

[Ancient Seraph]

Originally Posted by Smidlee

This game (especially the PC version) has a very steep learning curve. Because of this I think it's better to stick with one or two planes until you learn how to knock down planes. I totally disagree with you that a novice should try to learn the characteristic of every plane as I have no doubt there some players can take the P-51 and shoot me down no matter what I fly.

I'm not saying a novice should master every plane, I'm saying they should try them out, not just to see which airplane you like best, but also what the disadvantages are so you can use them when someone else flies the plane.