This is something I've felt for awhile ever since I first started showing up here and the reason I'm not as involved even though now I have opportunity to be. Even if it is true that milsim isn't "Forced" at games etc, the attitude here is has a prevalent feel of "don't show up at all unless you have full gear, M4 or Armalite" etc. For example I run an MP5 (until I get a proper longgun) + woodland BDU's, am I going to be turned away if I showed up because I'm not wearing MARPAT and woodland isnt issue anymore, and get a real gun you goddamn noob?
I am not against milsim. Milsim is what attracted me to airsoft and is my end goal gear wise. However the way a lot of you carry on, you might as well rename his place to milsim arizona, not airsoft arizona. That is a decision that might have to be made soon judging by this post. Like people have said, Airsoft are people running around with airsoft guns shooting at each other. You can play copsim, terrorist sim, whatever. Why does milsim have to be exclusive? That would be just as bad as only playing CQB swatsim forever. Wouldn't it get boring?
I prefer to think of Airsoft as the medium, not milsim. I used to do milsim with paintball back in the day when it was underground and our only avenue of doing so. Milsim is incredibly fun and incredibly satisfying, but airsoft wise, how do you think people will work up to that point. Other playing styles allow you to get playing sooner and get involved and make further investment gear wise.
Right now I play with a group that has specifically requested that we do not invite anyone from AA, I think that's a bit harsh since I think the problem is, do not invite any hardcore milsim guys from AA who will give you crap about your gear or playing style. Perhaps make up different forums for milsim, copsim, fantasy/counterstrike/gaming style whatever. That would be a start. It would be nice if one day this place represented AIRSOFT ARIZONA, as opposed to just milsim arizona. Until then, I'll only come here for anything related to milsim.