Redd - having flown against you several times (and having me arse shot off a couple of them), I think you understand the CT better than most.
It's a historical arena based on planesets that identify the period. That being said, this setup, I did a couple of things this setup that I think helps improve gameplay.
Did you know, that auto-AAA (CV ack, puffy ack, and field ack), is set to .15 strength of what the MA is?
For me, I think .15 is far more realistic. Your plane will be swissed cheezed before it'll take off parts. No more will puffy ack kill you in a single ping. You can fly through carrier defences and chase ack-huggers. True combat IMHO.
Also, you'll find that pilots in the CT are of two levels:
1. Newbies trying Aces High for the first time and find the small arena a great learning ground. Get thier experience then move to the MA or stick around and grow.
2. Aces High Veterans. I'm in this model. I consider myself a JABO expert - been bombing and attacking ground targets for almost 5 years in Aces High (geez, has it been that long?) Nothing I can't hit, flatten, or destroy on the ground with the right tool for the period. Give me a Stuka, Ju-88, Bf-110, 190F-8, Jug, P-51/38, or any attack aircraft, and I'll flatten the target. I'm an ok stick for dogfighting, but not the best like VWE, Frency, or Drex.
There is no magic method to fly in the CT. It's all personal preference, attitude, and luck.