Historic missions are important, so that we can try to do "what they have done".
Dodging the intense AAA etc, getting weapons on target.
But I dont mind a 2nd option with lots of artistic licence , to keep things interesting in the long run.. which lets the player
fly the missions in his own style.
Thats includes air combat. ( maybe making it a option , probability of intercept or somehting )

Also, given the circumstances, I dont expect to much from the first part/release. ThunderWorks isnt a big company.
I think that the game will be really enjoyable/good only once its fully finished, with everything build and functional.