I'm right there with you. One of the main reasons I got into this game was so that I could specialize as a pilot, and I'd really like more information on what kind of options we'll have.

I got a speculation thread in geniral discusions all about the LAAs getting all the known facts about them, inclueding photos most havn`t seen explaining the turret mechanics and stuff, its called: [speculation] LAAs 4/18/13

real photos, trailers, gameplay and artwork.

Wow, I come back to find four pages of solid discussion. Good to know my friend and I aren't the only people who want more out of piloting in this game. Here's a bump in the hopes more people get in on the conversation.

Also, looking back at my OP I was pondering the way I had the skills laid out and was wondering, if it could not go like this as an alternative:

Level 1 unlocks the skills for Dropships and Attackships since they would both essentially fall under small VTOL craft.

Level 2 nothing

Level 3 Fighters and Fighter Bombers. Fixed winged aircraft. Both craft not necessarily specialised so the fighter can be a generalist in all air to air, while the FIghter Bomber can be a generalist in well... bombing. Higher tiers which would be unlocked from higher levels in the skill would be more specialised like the higher level Caldari Fighter would be more efficient at using air to air missiles, with such things as reduced lock on times or better tracking.

Level 4 would unlock nothing as well

Level 5 would unlock what I originally referred to as Heavy Aircraft. The reason I don't want to elaborate too much is that there are in fact a variety of things that could fall into this category. An example would be something that I would call a Mobile Command Outpost. This craft would only be of use in much larger battles and may even go as far as to be unlocked with a Piloting Proficiency Skill or whatever the equivalent would be referred to as. It would be smaller than a MCC, but able to manouevre around the battle at high altitude. On board would be a CRU with a bay capable of holding I would estimate four people before it was full. It could be equipped with logistics gear to repair other aircraft as well as flak to defend itself from other Aircraft. I ponder whether or not it should have anything air-to-ground for the sake of balance though. At best I would say one weapon of that sort, probably under control of a secondary person in the craft. Like I said though this would be for the much larger battles in the future.

The motivation behind my questioning the skill system is for the sake of balance. There could be other potential solutions. If you guys have any I'd like to hear them.

With the reveal of the new concept art, particularly the ones showing fighters and what looked to be a LAA I'm more excited moving forward in this game. Let's keep this conversation going even after Uprising hits. Hopefully the Devs are reading.