Look, you can either give or receive a <S>. (or I suppose both, but I mean the first instance of the <S>)
If you're giving out a <S> to every shmo that happens to cross your gunsight, (like me) then what do you say to the guy that was really an exceptional fight?
On the other hand, if you return every <S> you get, then how do you acknowledge a great, exceptional fight?
It's tough.
But, on the other hand, maybe it's not so tough. I don't <S> everyone, just everyone that didn't completely dweeb their into my sites, or me theirs. Example: I shot down a very well-known forum member a few weeks ago. I didn't presume to <S> him, even though his name was immediately well-known and recognized by me, because neither of us did a single thing that was remarkable. I happened to be pulling up as he was pulling into my site, I shot and took of a wing. Big deal.
But, an hour later, I was chasing some La-7 around in my A-20, and he dragged me into a flak pit where Coronado got me. Deserving of a <S>? Well, that's up to you I suppose. Me, I can't hit crap in any flak. Furthermore, to took at least some SA for the La-7 to drag me into that trap. And, of course, I was stupid enough to follow him.
As far as I'm concerned, they both get a <S>. One for dragging so beautifully, and another for shooting accurately when it counted.
Or, I could have gone on a full-on 200 rant about the whole thing, which I suppose would have been equally justified.
Or, I could just not say anything to anyone.
But, heck man, a <S> says, well, you guys set me up good, got the kill, and while it sucked for me, I can't say that y'all didn't do a good job of baiting that hook. So, forget it, I say well done, and standby for angry Toonces from here on out!
I understand the question posed by the OP. Perhaps when I've been around for 10 years what warrants recognition by me will have changed. But, in real life, I'm pretty easy going, and hell, I've gotten so few unsolicited <S> in my short time here, that I figure what can it hurt to maybe promote a freer exchange of goodwill among us.
This is just a game, and we're all here to have fun. It does no harm to throw out more "good game"s than less I guess.