The Pony is just an all around darn good freaking airplane. You have indicated it doesn't particularly shine is one area (i disagree here btw, how about e retention or dive) but is better then average in most.
Well, that's the same story for the spit 16, and its ENY is 5.
This is just not factual.
The only worse-turning family of airplanes are the 190s.
Its climb rate is below average for late-war.
Its gun package is the definition of middle of the road, and it has less ammo duration with its .50s than its fellows, the Corsair,
Jug, and P-38.
But you are correct it can dive to the deck and run away rather well. As long as no La7s, D9s, or Typhoons are around. All hail the all conquering Pony!..wait...
It is not a good analog for the SpitXVI...the XVI is excellent in every mark *except* top speed, where it is merely mediocre. The Pony by contrast is excellent in top speed and poor to mediocre everywhere else. A better analog for the SpitXVI would be the D9, which is good to excellent everywhere *except* turning ability. Yet it's ENY remains at 15...bizarre.