I created the Apostles based upon the need to have an elite fighting air unit (early 2008, late 2007-- pre forums). Sukasa Rydell was one of the originals; ask 'em! So yes, the Apostles were intended to be an elite air unit. An alpha unit. It only made sense to have the best pilots teaching the other pilots, y'know? Part instructor, part fighter ace. It became more instructor based for a while, but the 50/50 shift is here. Long ago you had to have an Ace Pin to be an Apostle. Or hell, it may have been you received the Ace Pin upon joining the Apostles.