Hello---ok I'm new to AH---and so take my remarks as those of a newb. I did "fly' Warbirds from the 1st version (as jahgyd and biggus) until 1999 and then Warbirds again for last 3-4 years until my squad moved here [Parrots]. Complaining, arguing, and whining seem to be common to both games on Channel 200 and its equivalent in WBs---and I find that unfortunate. Here are some of my thoughts on common points of contention.
(1) HOs. Well, if you read any of the Osprey series books (see the CBI P-40 book or Hurricane Aces book as examples)---they are FULL of first hand battle accounts---which are FULL OF HO's [including Hurri Is HO-ing 110s

). Now from the point of view of "playability" I agree that simply flying straight at one another---guns ablazing, would be boring. When will I HO?
(a) When my AC gives me a decided advantage to do so----if a C-202 wants to HO me in a 110G or 190A8---no problem.
(b) If I am hoplessly outnumbered---I gotta take the shots I get---not wait around to be slowly killed 5 on 1.
(c) If my opponent won't give me any other shot. Had an LA-7 and Spit ----dragging over Wirbels on ground---only shot I had after many attempts was HO---I'm not gonna follow them over the Wirbels.
(d) There are some pilots who seem to do nothing but pull up into HOs (lotta La-7s seem to do this) sometimes you just take the shot.
(e) there seem to be a fair amount of pilots who can't tell a front quarter deflection from an HO. I've killed people who ---couldn't have hit me--but they think I HO-ed them
(f) If I can rudder in for a snap shot by surprise (with hope of no return fire) I will.
(2) Ramming----I suspect most of this is just screwing up---I would NEVER ram an enemy AC---but I've had my share of frustrating collisions.
(3) here is one I like to PRIVATELY whine about to myself-----stick stirring----this is IMO---just "gaming the game" to stay alive at all costs. I will pursue a "stick stirrer" into AK, Wirbels, hell, and ALL THE WAY BACK to base---just for the satisfaction of 1 kill and 100% ammo spent.
Enjoying the game---let's keep it civil and fun.

Impakt