You were flying a light fighter over the same fleet under attack by your squaddies. When someone took off to intercept those attackers, you would engage the would-be interceptors. Is that not escorting or running interference?
The problem isn't how the ack is modelled, or how its put to use.
The problem is that you keep flying into it, and its shoots you down. That is, as far as I know, exactly how it's supposed to work.
I'm not trying to be disrespectful, but the easiest way to avoid the 5" fire is to stay away from it. Flying within 4k of a cv group with all defensive guns manned, you will eventually get snuffed.
Sorry if my post was abrasive, but I was in a fairly bad mood, and having seen all the ack whines, then seeing you flying 3.5-4k out from a CV with all guns blazing, I thought I'd call BS as well.