......
Maybe the larger problem is, how many historical matchups present a fair fight? In history, there were other factors included: availability and numbers, pilot training, weather, etc. I am definitely not arguing against filling in the gaps. I am simply stating that attention is given to the best available matchup that was represented in historical combat. Take a look at the Military Channel episodes of Dogfights or read about obstacles, defeats and strategies that made for some really lopsided battles.
For this historical reason, I like having rolling plane sets over a period of time, with each side having a brief advantage over the other. Kept things interesting. But I agree with having the best available matchup too.