Best Planes for me:
A8Hatrick had a nice list of planes that work for him for many different types of engagements or for their uses.
I'm surprised no one mentioned the Ki-84. It's a great all a rounder with a nice gun package, bombs heavy enough to take out a couple of tanks, great fuel range, TOUGH enough to take a major beating and still fly home, Fast and can turn very well.
With proper throt control it can be used as a B&Z'er or to stall fight.
My favorites while in the game were
F6
Spit8
Ki-84 / 61
FM2.... I was very good with this one
P-51B
202 in the DA
Never did like the German planes much cept for the 109f and 190-A5
The best plane IMO is the one you have the most fun with.
I fly (SPIT8)often now, I am interested in the fight against the hourde, I regularly put my self against as many as I can, and having one of the greatest planes is a way of evening the odds somewhat.