I've reached the point where I am confident going into any 1v1 fight in the MA regardless of planes and alt, though "confident" does not by any stretch of the imagination mean "victory assured."
I've also reached the point where I feel I no longer embarrass myself against good sticks in the DA, although I've yet to reach the point where I can match them on an equal footing. Especially if they're E-Fighting (it's a concept difficult for me to grasp).
I do wish I'd had the same attitude that I have today towards fighting and learning back when I was in Air Warrior. I spent a few years in that sim, essentially being the scoremonkey runner whiner little 15 year old squeaker wannabe, etc., etc., thought he was good until he went into the DA and got his butt handed to him in two turns (and then never went in again).
I feel I wasted a great opportunity back then. I'm encouraged when I find people struggling not to waste one now.