Yes, I agree with said statements about the I16....However, more important than the perk rewards and the attention u get from enemies that underestimate you is the way the engagements go.
I fly planes at this level of ENY because the fights are more realistic to me.
With the Hurri 1 for example u may have to make 2 or more passes on an enemy to get them killed. Adds to the fun and makes battles more realistic.
Any moron can unload 8 50 cals or a volly of cannon rounds at 500 knots, but it takes skills to give urself the disadvantage in power, weapons, and speed.