Why piloting isn't really the issue
Piloting was not the issue piloting was a side effect. Here was the real issue:
1. Rewards brackets were too narrow in AW
2. Differences between each bracket in terms of what you get were too big in AW.
3. AQ rewards are just terrible and further the cost of doing map 6 is just too high. The only revamp you've done was to add Void so that there would be fewer blades to use in AW potentially. Yes, it's that transparent.
Piloting was caused due to scarcity. The problem you've now created that concerns me is skilled and unskilled players that spent a lot are quitting as alliances blow up due to problems in AW. If AQ rewards were attractive for the unskilled spenders they might stay. If the rewards were not as scarce with less of drop off that would help. You worry about revenue for your bottom line. I wonder whether the game will continue when you continue to misfire so often and I skilled and unskilled players that spend retire en masse.
I think we may have seen a nose cut off to spite the face. Piloting shouldn't have been the norm. Piloting was not the real problem IMO. I don't even believe it was fairness that was addressed. I think the lack of potions being spent by skilled pilots was, though I could be wrong.
Are you going to address AQ cost and rewards(grinding sucks and drives people out of the game), and the disparity in AW rewards before it's too late is my question.
