AKDV,
I wasn't actually referring to you there, though, as others have said "doing well" is all relative

I have no pretentions that I'm as good as garner in a 1 on 1 fight... I'm not, but I've managed to nail him in the past by flying tactically smart... so I agree with your point. Someone who is average-good in flying and shooting can do very well by flying smart tactically.
Fats brings up a good point... what do YOU think makes a "good" fighter pilot? For fats it's pure 1 on 1 ACM deulling (presumably in a neutral start, in comparable aircraft). While I find that kind of skill interesting, it's only part of the picture in terms of actual air combat scenarios. If I was only interested in ACM, I'd be a spitfire guy

. I'm interested in the whole picture.... The positioning BEFORE the fight, the ability to dictate the terms of the fight, the actual ACM, and the end game (winning,attempting to disengage, or losing). ANd a big portion of the picture we don't usually see in AH.... the effect on the mission. These planes were designed to accomplish specific missions, and when employed in the way they were intended, I usually find it kind of cool to see that the designers weren't nuts after all

. SO in summary, for ME, pure ACM ability is only part of the picture.
Personally, I fly in a variety of styles. When I have lotsa time to climb to altitude and pick my targets, I like to fly a little safe, and fly for streak. I personally find this the most rewarding aspect to simming. OTOH, sometimes I don't have as much time, I'm just itching to get in a fight, and I'll engage regarless of bad positioning, numbers, etc. It just depends on my mood. Personally I used to like to be able to clear my score when it suited me, so I could sorta "seperate my moods" but what the heck.
Now, the score potatos are another issue. A certain high scoring pilot who used to fly here was certainly good, but he was very careful to rarely be in a position of risk... and more than one of his kills came from poaching wounded targets from countrymen who had risked themselves for the victory, but thankfully, he's not here anymore.
Vila