RE: Is combat dead?
Once upon a time....open B was king......at the time it was competitive, fast, interesting. Most of the time there were "many"spectators out to watch. it was something to see from a spectators perspective. These spectators (future pilots) joined in because because it was fun and competitive....it was also exciting!! That was part of the draw. make it fun and let the guys talk smack.....don't run them off.
less rules.....keep it simple