Simshell....best thing about this game imho is that one can make it anything they want!
If you want to consider it a flightsim...you can, just by the way you approach the game.
If you want a high ranking...use GVs, bombers, torpedo boats and fighters grab the gusto! I dislike the term scorehore. Everyone pays the fee to play...so make it want you want.
If you just want to fly fighters, 90% of the time you won't rank highly. But so what? You're paying and playing the way you want to. Be a great fighter Pilot, Tank Commander.John Kennedy in the PT109...heck...use your imagination...just have fun damnit!