the P38J seems fine at 20, because once you start diving in that thing, it gets hard to control it compared to the L (which seems fine at 15),
The P-38J dives just as well and is just as controllable as the P-38L in a dive. The only ones that have an issue with diving in any of the P-38s are the ones with lack of experiencing in flying it. Even with the P-38L I rarely use the dive flaps to recover from a dive as I don't need them and usually only use them to aid in high speed turning.
also it cant fly as long while carrying the same ord loadout that the 51's got
True that the P-38 doesn't quite have the legs as the Mustang, but with fuel conservation settings the P-38's effective range is just as far in the MA as the Mustang so it's rather a moot point.
it cant maneuver as well in the long run (some will disagree with this, but the P51 in general is easier for someone to fly than the 38).
The P-38J (G and L too) can out maneuver the Mustang at all altitudes.
should i keep going?
Yes, please do because maybe next time you'll get something correct.
ack-ack