Von_Ron is still here,
I frequented the original 2 x UBI servers when the game first launched, and after many thousands of kills ... my heartbeat still pounds in my ears whenever I am in a dogfight.
I too remember the UBI forums being re-set/transferring to a new website and the loss of my account.
I have Cliffs of Dover but just want it to be more finalised before I commit to buying a new PC.
I don't think anyone really leaves this sim .. they just change names and re invent themselfs, go off and play another game for a limited time until they end up back here.
I was a nubie when the first IL2 came out. Remember all the discussions on how to get out (or not) of a spin in a P39? Cheats like trim on a slider (that Uni-Brow Character). What a gang! Still playing now with a more advanced rig. Not sure about getting CoD yet, but probably will go through it anyway with the teething, like when it all started years ago!!