Some comments on the initial OP post - Unless a few squaddies are on I frequently fly solo : some rules I try to keep - I fly ONLY a FW190A8 - because it is a challenge.
1. rarely if ever take off from CAPed/front line field (I do not mind long flights to action - always watching History Chnl - gives me time heheheh)
2. altitude altitude altitude!! minimum 15k+
3. pay attention to Radar Bar/Flight dar
4. full tanks AND DT - allows long flights
5. frequently when presented with a lower distant furball I will dive well before icon range to co alt or just below their level - a distant low 190 is rarely seen as a major threat by many furballers - little do they know I'm topped up with E and in a few seconds will be up their six - destroy them with one overpowering cannon burst and be off into the sky to reset
6.....did I mention altitude???
7. I try to work a furball top down also paying attention to the flight characteristics of closest cons - ie co-alt La's will get my attention before lower zekes do.
8. SA SA SA!!!
9. judge carefully close cons E state and incoming ones too - there is a time to cut and reset in a 190 if you want to live - none of this fight till ya die crap.
10. always return your bird to the crew chief who loaned it to you
11. pay attention to friendly activities at enemy fields - be supportive
12 never fear pony boys especially low on the deck - they don't know which end is up
13. I take the shot of anyone silly enough to put themselves in front of my cannon - one 30mm will indeed ruin their day!!!
There's a bunch more regarding aircraft manauvers...but then you'll likely kill me easier- can't have that eh!
Just a few of the things that work for me.
...cheers eh!

PS - oh ya - of ALL the planes I find P38's burn the prettiest!! Lovely!!!