Well since I got the HOTAS, my payload size has shrunk - in relative terms, to the atomic level. Drag wise will average around 6.6 (TGP/LGBx2/CBUx2/MAVx2)
I've also stopped carrying the ECM pod - I've found it doesn't jam too well, and activated it often causes a search ping on my RWR to change to track - and yes, they go back to search once I shut the thing off and put a little chaff out.
Considering the rarity at which I engage A-A, I've also dropped the AIM-9s. I'll toss em on if I suspect Su-25s or helicopters.
