When people are unhappy with something, they are more likely to voice their opinion than when they are happy. I think that is currently happening with engine trails -- a loud, vocal group is saying that they don't like them. If you support engine trails, let CIG know here. Personally, I like them for a few reasons: 1. Movement context -- without engine trails, it's very difficult to gauge a ship's movement direction or speed. This is true for enemies as well as allies. Having engine trails makes shot prediction easier and allows fleets to fly in formation with fewer accidents. 2. Emergent gameplay - want a stealth ship? Upgraded stealth engines would have no engine trail 3. Aesthetics - Frankly, ships just kind of floating through space can seem unnatural. Trails anchor the ships somewhat. Also, engine trails have been a staple of space sims forever. Homeworld is one of my favorite games of all times, and the engine trails are part of why the combat in that game is pretty amazing. 4. Realism - complaining about realism in a game where humans are piloting space fighters in sub 1km dogfights is kind of dumb. Rule of cool wins.