I really do not care who's better or worse pilot. It only takes time. What I look for is a nice guy to spend time. In my book, here is where reputations count.
In this particular field, we are, save for some exceptions, an awsome bunch of people. I even enjoy ch1.
Just a few names that comes to mind...Zigrat (always ready to work as mission planner, as well as a hell of a pilot), Asmodan (really nice guy, and another fine stick), straffo (I only crossed with him a couple of times, but was enough), StSanta (as far from dweebery as anyone can be), Nexx (Great Guy, never saw anyone as good as him in panzer), ammo (I still remember Afrika Korps times, really sad cause 101 squad missed the bus in Hostile Shores

)...Really a LOT of great people out there.
These are the characters I seek in this game. I dont give a rat's youknowwhat if they have a kill streak of this or that, or if they master that or this plane. If my life were at risk, I would put more factor into account, but this is my passtime, and I want my time spent as good as possible. And these guys are masters at it. <S> to all, and the bunch of the others I don't put their names.
Now you will just stop shooting at me, right?

Cheers,
Pepe