I think that we should introduce a different air combat system only if it provides all these features, and in addition, gives us some new important advantage.
I appreciate the response. I think a simple system could be introduced where aircraft fly either an offensive mission (eg, air combat, escort or ground attack) or defensive mission (eg, combat air patrol, intercept, recon or rebase). Aircraft could remain in the mission hex and be subject to enemy reaction, and then returned to airbase at start of owning player's turn (except rebase). The old PG model may be adequate for many, but it still doesn't feel right. The Strategic Command series uses a PG model of sorts, and aircraft flying missions works OK. Something to reconsider down the road perhaps...