Quite the opposite. The P-38 is so easy to hit with and is tough enough to take a bit of thumping that when you put people in a brawl while they don't really know what they are doing, it comes out much better. Yes, Spitfires IX, VIII and XVI will do better as will the N1K2-J, but I can't think of any other fighter that is as easy as the P-38. I am no expert sim-pilot like some here, but the P-38 has what is needed for beginners. I know P-38 drivers in this game like to talk themselves up as the best of the best doing well in a dog, but it just ain't so.
You're doing well in the next best thing to a Spitfire.
I'm sorry but a new pilot or even an average or veteran pilot that doesn't know how to use the flaps, rudders and throttle properly in conjunction with each other will not be very successful in the Lightning or doesn't know the limitations/weaknesses or strengths of the P-38 will not be all that successful and will find it tough to fly the P-38.
The P-38 is not a plane for new or inexperienced players that are hoping to be competitive at the start, especially if they angles fight. The only area in which a new or inexperienced player that is starting to fly the P-38 may enjoy some amount of success is if they fly the Lightning using Energy fighting tactics like Boom and Zoom where they don't have to worry about turning with the bandit. If a new or inexperienced player hopping in a P-38 tries to turn fight with a Spitfire without a good grasp how fly a P-38 in an angles fight situation, the P-38 driver won't last very long.
I've always said that the P-38 is a plane for those that are at least at the medium skill level or greater to be able to take full advantage of what the Lightning is capable of.
ack-ack