VG, no doubt that bladders are the best way to go for performance, but the Norvels and APs will run OK with muffler pressure here at sea level. I like to safety wire the muffler to the case and use silicone tubing to secure the needle valve, that's the only prep work we do.
Believe me, I didn't wake up one day and say to myself that my mission in life was to prove that 1/2A RC combat was the easiest route to go. I flew the other stuff and was dis-satisfied with the amount of work and money that it took to stay in the game. After a couple engine to engine hits at 45-90 mph with the bigger stuff, or to have a complete flight pack blown to kingdom come after one zig instead of zag head on pass I did begin a search on my own to find something that was just as fun with less work and money. 1/2A and .15 diesel fill that bill for me.
VG, as both you and I know from flying C/L combat, nothing can replace the thrill of flying AMA fast with .36s, but let's face it........it's a heck of a lot more of a time and money commitment than the slower stuff. Same principle applies to RC combat.
SSC isn't as S,S, or C as 1/2A, I've done my fair share of both and anyone who claims that to be BS has undoubtedly never flown good 1/2A combat. With SSC, I've got 3 LA .15s with cracked crankcases radiating from the backplate area to show for it, with 1/2A, never have done engine damage, but did lose one that ripped off the plane and was never found. With .25 sized combat I've got an entire fuselage that was headed towards Mt Pilchuck last time I saw it.
Hopefully there will be some who read this thread with an open mind and give 1/2A or even .15 diesel a try. It's the kind of combat you can fly from an easy chair, 2 ozs will give about 15 minutes worth of air time.