Being here all of the 15 years, I recall when there was no VATSIM, no IVAO, and even before SATCO (which became Vatsim); we would multi on Wednesday nights, by one person hosting a multi-player event on their computer. No ATC. Just a few guys whooping it up doing circuits at Kai Tak, or the like.
It sure was fun to not be flying solo, and have some other aircraft with which to interact.
Later, we thought it was great when gamer voice programs were introduced that let us talk to each other, rather than text.
I believe that the CVA community truly blossomed with the advent of SATCO and online flying with ATC. It was not difficult to find another CVA'er online, with whom to fly, or just chat while cruising. I still greatly enjoy chatting with Bill Haystead, and share his views about flying online.
IMHO, the decline started with more and more complex AI aircraft movement, and quasi-ATC being included with FS. You weren't the only aircraft in the whole world when flying offline.
Try killing those options and flying. No AI aircraft, no ATC. It will become far less of an enjoyable experience. I think that MS introduced these options as a result of the success of the online flying community. Hop on board.
I urge you to fly online. CVA has been an online community.
Our experience is greatly enhanced when flying online. One must prepare a bit more for one's flight, but that can add to the fun. We also add our support to all of the individuals that have and do make online flying possible.
As more and more pilots fly offline, we lose the ATC we once enjoyed. Who wants to stare at an empty scope? I truly fear that we are losing our online community. I don't want to see a return to the pre-online days. One person flying all by themselves. How depressing.
I've been known to fly VATSIM from time to time
. I hope to see your callsign flashing by my windscreen sometime.