I would very much like a save game option, cause then I can finally work my way trough my large sandbox missions. In other words, save my progress in large missions that is more than a single sortie. For me it wouldnt be stopping mid air, or even having to be alive to save. I want to save my destruction, fly all the planes I own, use them in their various roles etc, and work my way trough a map filled with SAM sites, strikes targets, CAS targets, shipping etc etc.
Has nothing to do with being realistic or not, or a cheat.