My cents worth. I was one of those recently who asked a pretty basic question about installation (not about systems or flight or weapons…it was really basic) and got a slightly snippy reply to “read the manual”. I think if I read between the lines it was suggested I was being lazy by asking and not trawling the manuals. I asked because I was just a little overwhelmed and to be honest, I had missed the relevant documentation. I was a little put off at first but I did take the guy’s point about reading the manuals. Which I ordered and have subsequently spent hours reading. So while I personally think it is always preferable to be patient with newbie questions, however basic, and answer them, I also acknowledge the effort gone into the documentation (which is amazing to be honest) and the frustration the old hands might have on this issue. I want to reinforce the point that the manuals are fantastic and it is true that the best way I think to do the ground school bit of getting into the sim is just to wade in and start reading. As the guy said to me, you will learn so much more by going through them looking for answers than simply asking. Fair point.
Apoll