Naturally, we could discuss this for hours - and I don't think we disagree too much (although I think it's clear that the short life-expectancy of new pilots canot be laid at the door of 'non-protectionism' - inexperienced pilots were simply more likely to get shot down than experienced ones, irregardless of the amount of mutual protection practiced).

Within this context, I think Blue Max works well. There is (or shouldn't be) no direct communication between planes (aside from basic 'hand-signals', obvious 'standing orders' and some banter); also, many players act with some consideration of their 'wingmen' but are still focused on shooting down enemy planes and surviving.

Seems pretty realistic.

SirFrancis