csThor, thanks for that - as good a response to Sprain's silliness as we could reasonably expect.
Nearmiss - I think the IL-2 online dogfight community probably underestimate how many people enjoy IL-2 in other ways. They tend to be the most vocal, and the most partisan, but they are very much a minority. The continuing sales of IL-2, and the interest of newcomers on the various forums, seem to indicate that there is still a broad base of interest, and relatively few of the noobs will ever fly online - it is actualy a rather hostile environment for the inexperienced.
As for not flying coops, why not? Even if you don't want to make a serious commitment, dropping in on the Ubizoo Saturday coop once or twice might broaden your horizons - we do this for fun, remember.
