Having spent the last couple months in the world of FSX, I am gingerly nosing my way back into SF2. My time with FSX has given my new awe for the modders of the Thirdwire world. Quality add-ons exist aplenty for FSX, but only if you are willing to part with serious amounts of cash. I think A2A's Piper Cub was worth every penny I paid - it gave me a glimpse into the sort of flight I might hope to enjoy for real one day, but that was $40 for one (high quality) add-on.
By contrast, the community of modders here has been incredibly generous to share the fruits of their labors. I know it must have been a labor of love - and when the love fades, I can imagine that it is hard to keep going.
NF4+ and ODS and many others are works of art. They come as close to perfection as can be imagined given the limits of the engine.
I do wonder a bit if this pursuit of perfection - so often achieved - hasn't itself become something of a hindrance. Was there more fun to be had in the days when goals had not become so lofty - and the expectations of us non-modding ground-lings so bloated?
but I am not one of the artists. They are the masters of their work, and it is for them to decide their goals and what brings them satisfaction.
To those who have moved on, I can only offer my hearty thanks. To those who need rest, I hope you find it. For bpao and his family, I pray with thanksgiving for his life and for comfort and peace for those who miss him dearly as the holidays approach.
Merry Christmas,
Emile
P.S. A bit of good news - and the reason typing has taken forever with one hand - I am holding my beautiful twelve day old daughter in my arm.