Great post Filth.
Re: running.
I see two thought process's happening (having been on both ends numerous times).
The runner: Generally what is going on in my tiny acorn is:
"this guy is 1K back and not gaining, think I'll keep trucking and see if he breaks off. If he breaks off, I'm gonna reverse, set myself up an advantage, and kill him".
The chaser: My noodle is firing off hundreds of tiny synapsis':
" I'm 1k back and not gaining (but not really losing either), I'm gonna stay with it for a while. If he breaks, I'm gonna try to set my self up with an advantage and kill him".
Worst case scenario for both is I get my butt handed to me by the other, or I allow him to drag me to his bud/ack/ whatever, and get my butt handed to me. eh...no biggy..the chief says I can have as many planes as I want.
RE Head On's: I generally try to avoid them, as they are a pretty low percentage shot (and I always seem to come out on the chitty end).
Biggest thing I notice about HO's is that most don't recognize them apart from a front quarter shot. Some see the HO if you are anywhere between a 3 or 9 o'clock position on them, high or low or co-alt.
So, although I rarely will accept a HO shot, I will take criticism or flaming in game if my opponent doesn't understand how or why I took/made that shot, and won't normally reply to it. I will put the scalp in my bag however and take it home with me, with no regret/remorse etc. etc.
cheers,
RTR