Yes it is !
It is due to choices that I make or, do not make. it is that simple.
I have been reading a lot of the messages on the boards. and observing a lot of the tactics that some of us use.
The reasons I get shot down the most are :
1, I am a Dweeb !
2, I forget about S.A.
3, I do not know how to fly my aircraft of choice.
4, I do not care as long as I am having a good time.
5, I merged with a much better virtual pilot.
6, My gunnery is awful.
If you get shout down and none of the above pertains to you. I would have to say that it you are Dweeb Denial. perhaps you should play a game that is more predictable like tic tac toe ?
If you feel the need to whine about being killed in any way. perhaps you should just take a look at what you are doing to get shot down and improve your skills as well as make better decisions.
Just salute the pilot that shot you down and move on to the next sortie. try to make the next sortie more productive.
If you like to fur ball or, up from a capped base. guess what? chances are that you will be shot down.
If people want the points/base bad enough give it to them. up from the next base over and come to the fight with some E and some options. There is plenty of people on your side that will be porking a enemy base someplace.
If a pair of 51's drop on you and kill you from 20k while you are cruising in your plane of choice at 10k simple.... come up with a wingman and co alt or more .
If you do not like people that fly huge buff missions and point mongers avoid them. or, hunt them for fun. but, do not taunt them let your skills speak for themselves.
If someone merges with you head on and shoots you in the face ( this sucks ! ).... learn for avoid the head on passes.
There is a lot of people that like to play this game their way so let them do their thing.
Just remember to do your thing as well.
the worst that could happen is we will have a reset and the point people will have their points.
I for one do not even care about points that is not what this game is about for me. I like to have a good K/D ratio and get back to base every time. (I have neither one of these but, one can hope

) And most important it is about hanging with some online friends and having some fun any way I choose to do so !
I guess what I am saying is do what you enjoy within the game there is plenty of room for everyone to do anything they wish.
Do not let what someone else is doing or not doning get into your head and ruin your experiance in AH.
If you are having trouble with a aspect of your flying/buffing/tanking..... get in touch with a trainer or work it out on your own. Keep in mind that 10,000 deaths will teach you some things too. I for one plan to take my beatings and learn from each one. I film and review each sortie then make notes of what I did right and what I did wrong. (so far I have not been doing too much right ! )
Always ask questions Vet or Noob. there is always room to improve or see something from a different angle.
Back in the old days I used to call AH Tank Warrior or, Buff Wars. but, after a long break and a lot of thought before I came back to AH I realized the above.
Heck it works for me and is just my .02 from my observations since I have been back.
Cheers
Rabbit