The La7 is inferior to the Spit16 in every way except top speed.
La7 is faster under 20k.
The Spit 16 does roll better.
The Spit 16 outclimbs the La7 with wep but w/o wep both have a near identical climb under 8k.
La7 out accelerates the spit 16.
With no flaps the Spit 16 does out turn the La7 but it is somewhat close "ish". Similar to a Spit 16 vs. a Niki.
Full flaps their turn rates are pretty much identical.
Looks to me like a very close match up with a huge edge to the La7 because of speed. Because of that speed the La7 gets to dictate the fight. So the La7 pilot not only can engage and disengage at will but if they so choose the La7 can drop flaps and stall fight 'em.
How exactly is that inferior in every way? Sounds to me like the La7 has a pretty big edge.
And I agree that I would rather see a Spit 16's than La7's. The typical dweeb 16 pilot tends to fight it out. I also agree that the La7 should have a light perk (2-3 perks) for the 3 gun package.