I think not playing on a regular bases really messes with my gunnery, especially with more difficult shots. Also I notice when in a tough fight, I tend to make more mistakes. Probably the biggest for me though is getting the timing back for certain moves. However, I'm in a 38 almost 99% of the time, so I've gotten to know the plane very well which seems to make things easier. I say this because I notice if I jump in something else, all of the above things aside from timing, seem to be more pronounced.
I remember the days of logging in every night, flying long hours during the weekend, and when in school, flying long hours during the day. Usually when I'm on now, you'll find me with a beer, looking for dogfight

For me, mission running just doesn't have the same appeal to me (not that it shouldn't for others). I can see buffing as being a somewhat relaxing activity for a time, up until you have to man the guns

. I guess I like the action of the dogfight, but I will admit that some nights when I have time, I just don't have the energy. But being in it for the fun and laughs, like you, goes a long way to combat any game related stress.......which by judging 200, there seems to be no shortage of