Exactly what TC said. Who cares if you like to fly a Spitfire MK IX or a La7? As you've found out, a lot of people like to blame their inadequacies on the plane that just shot them down. Simply ignore them and continue to fly the plane you enjoy.
It is good that you are willing to take the time to learn, don't see that much often anymore.
As fuze pointed out, it's best to get a grasp of BFM (basic flight maneuvers) before moving onto learning ACM. A good step would be to ask a trainer for some help or sometimes there are some very willing players that will take the time and help you in the T.A. if a trainer is unable to. Once you've become familiar with the basic flight maneuvers and the flight model in the game, it's time to move to more advanced stuff like ACM and tactics.
Honestly, if you're just starting out, I would recommend that you use the Spitfire Mk IX for its ease of use and handling. Once you get used to things and get a little more experience in ACM and combat tactics, switch to another plane if you like. If not, stick with the plane you're most comfortable flying with.
There are two sites that I would recommend you visit. Both have great lectures and other write up on various ACM and tactics.
479th "Riddle's Raiders" Fighter Group. A little P-38 centric but still has excellent write ups that can be used in any plane. Also a large library of AH P-38 films.
NetAces. An excellent site for new players and veterans alike. A must read are the lectures on the merge by Rocketman. Another excellent read are the Energy Management lectures by DeadDuck. If you can, do a Google search for BulletHead's E Management lectures.
Even though I am repeatedly told that I thoroughly suck in the P-38 (strangely only by those I repeatedly shoot down *shrug*), I'll be more than happy to give you some pointers and any other help I can give on flying the wonderful twin tailed beauty we all know and love as the Lightning.
ack-ack
479th FG
