Well, just to throw my $.02 in...
I'm a 'newbie.' And I'm trying to learn the P-38, not because I think it's uber, but because from everything I have seen and read, it takes that much more skill to master.
So far, I have flown it almost exclusively. Admittedly, I get shot down pretty consitently, but hey, that's how one learns, right?
A couple reasons I like it: It was one of the premier allied fighters of WW2; it was one of Kelly Johnson's first, and IMHO, best designs; it's (also IMHO) a beautiful aricraft.
I figure I can play in a spit occasionally to practice some basic acm, but the handling characteristics of the P-38 are unique enough that it seems like I should learn what I want to fly.
I'm not going to pick another plane simply because it consistently outperforms others...
I want to play on difficult mode.
Cheers,
Spitter