Cee64
What a couple of the guys might trying to point out is that if you continue to take the HO shots you will remain "not a great stick and get shot down a lot" . While you are shooting on the merge (and most likely missing) , your opponent has already gained an unassailable position on your 6. When you begin to realise that taking a HO shot negates your opportunity to perform a position winning lead turn (which is basically the most important maneuver in a 1-1 dogfight) you might then have a chance of becoming a good stick. Try it - and then tell 10 friends
Surprisingly, I usually get shot from behind by somebody who simply beat me in the merge and got on my six, or someone I never saw in the first place. I'm still learning, and lead turns take a little more judgement than I've learned just yet. I'll get it, never doubt it. Until then though, I'm willing to take a calculated risk. I'm not the guy who typically runs off to land every kill; scoreing isn't that big a deal. I enjoy the combat for itself. Besides, it's not like I'm going to die...
I once heard that the greatest swordsman does not fear the second greatest, him he knows. The greatest swordsman fears the novice who may do something crazy and get lucky.
Thanks for the advice though.