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For what it is worth FC99, many of us here understand and appreciate the circumstances that surround any TD update; the sheer amount of unpaid effort and hours that go into any TD release is not lost on me or a large part of the community.

I for one marvel at the additions you fellows have brought to this game, that for many years I thought would never see inclusion in the official Il-2; the fact that you guys have manged so much out of sheer will power, passion and dedication only further increases my admiration. Well done.

For the rest of you in the community - you are entitled to nothing. Remember that.

You pay no money, have no privileged position or favours owed.

What we have recieved for the past two years and what get from here on in comes from the generousity of effectively a bunch of strangers from the internet and is reliant on their passion and dedication. Their motivation - and that is all that keeps them doing this - is fuelled by our support as a community. That motivation can be fragile.

It is a sorry thing to say that often three good words can be undone by one bad. Thusly, it only takes a few mealy mouths to camouflage and sour the grattitude & appreciation felt by the community at large. And on a purely selfish note, I don't want to be robbed of potential Il-2 lifespan by those who don't have the manners to offer critique or report issues politely.

There will be bugs. It is software. It is a given. Get used to it.

We do not need to blow sunshine up the backsides of TD's members, but some bug reporting verges on the accusatory.

I've heard talk of vendettas/conspiracies all through Il-2s long life span and still hear it now. The simple fact of it is your hearsay, 'feelings' and suppositions do not a combat flight simulator make. Hard evidence is required, repeated testing and analysis and - perhaps most important of all - a polite and considered statement or response to issues.

Your passion is admirable, and I share it, but it does not excuse ill-manners.

Reciprocity people; if your statement is accusatory, inflammatory or combatitive can you really expect to find anything but the same in response? The crew of TD are not indebted to you.

This community - and, yes, that means you - keeps Il-2 alive, with it's passion, dedication, breadth of knowledge and willingness to try and make it even better. Don't forget that TD members are fellow members of that community, with one important exception: they got off their butts and pro-actively got invovled at the sharp end to make that ideal into a reality. They share your passion. Don't kick them in the family jewels when they make a percieved ommision or error. Count it against the wealth of new features, the months and years of new longevity they have breathed into Il-2 and put it into perspective. Please.

Rant over.