Well, this may indeed be a premature discussion, as we have no clear idea of what we'll get with the new SoW online modes, but it may also be a good opportunity to gather and specify our ideas and wishes about what an exciting online campaign would look like. Plus, I feel like practising my rough english a bit, so :
What features would an ideal online campaign present (keeping in mind that not everything is possible) ?
1)
A huge map. Small maps are excellent for co-op missions, but a realistic campaign requires the largest possible map, expanding along with any future add-on.
2)
Not messy. Any pilot engaged in the campaign should well know his role and respect the standard procedures for take off, flight in formation, tactics, landings, navigation, communications, etc. How could it ever be done ? See below.
3)
An in-game flight school, delivering the pilot's license that you would need to get an assignment to one of the several squadrons involved in the battle. That flight school might consist of a series of theoretical directives and a set of exercises that you should be able to perform, but it might also be managed by some devoted members of the community, who would brief the newcomers (of whom I am).
4)
Dead is dead. Forget your nickname for a while. Once you've enlisted, you'd automatically get a name. If the character you're playing is killed, you'd get another name (but keep a similar rank). I think this would add a lot to immersion and make people much more careful and team-oriented, as they may wish to keep their loyal and heroic avatar alive, as well as their fellow pilot's one.
5)
Headquarters. A dedicated room where a few elected members of the community could debate of strategic affairs and issue orders to the many squadrons through a chain of command.
Ok, thanks for reading, feel free to add your ideas,
regards.