This is a really good description of the problems with the current implementation of thermals in the sim. The sim has options for realism in lots of its features. Maybe a simple ‘realism’ option for the thermal model would satisfy both the arcade people and the simmers.
It would be great if they could make a few simple changes:
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Make the probability of a cumulus cloud being rendered high over the areas of lift. Low probability over areas without lift. Not making a thermal guaranteed below a cloud would be realistic, possibly easier to implement, and in my mind more fun.
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Use a reasonable relationship between ridge height, wind speed and the height of ridge lift.
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Use the ambient temperature and an estimate of lapse rate to calculate the thermal height and strength.
I reckon they have done well making the terrain influence the placement of thermals. All they need to do is draw the clouds above them and make the thermal strength, size, height and distance in between a bit more realistic and it would be a huge improvement. Too please everyone, they could just add an option to turn off thermal realism or just leave it as it currently stands - enormous lift everywhere.