I think that the game allows and promotes the insane growth. In the "realistic" world I am in, half of the top 10 all have fleet sizes over 2,500 and all of the top 10 have a value of over $270Billion each, with the top having a value of over $1.2Trillion (that's Trillion with a T). Apple is worth $650Billion...

In the RW, the big 4 (AA, UA, DL, SW) only have a combined fleet of 3,189 and a value of about $116Billion. So to many, the allure of the "game" could be to a.) Win or; b.) Build the biggest airline you can. I don't think it has anything to do with skill, the game isn't realistic otherwise I wouldn't be able to buy 200 aircraft in 1 sitting, the very next day buy 200 more and I still have hundreds of billions...I can't take it with me, so why not? I couldn't do that if the game was even a fraction of being realistic. Perhaps those who can't accept the fact that playing within the constraints of the game is a demonstration of being unskilled are in fact, the unskilled? Apparently I am unskilled...when I try to make up my own rules within the game for only me to follow (keeping a realistic mindset on how I run and grow my airline) I only get beat down and spammed out...my bankrupt pile is large. I took the "if you can't beat 'em..." route. I fly 777s out of MDW for crying out loud!

At the end of the day, it is a free game. I play the other 2 online sims, not as good as AE, but the same issues are there. I enjoy Airline 7, but it cost over $60. It is pretty in depth and built for those who might consider themselves as an elusive skilled player.

Currently hovering around #40. Paragon Airlines. First come first served.