Here's the thing everyone needs to remember... Every aircraft has set of conditions or circumstances where its performance is maximized. As you move away from that ideal set of conditions, performance degrades. It doesn't matter if we are talking about the P-40B, La-7, 109K4 or the Spit16. You cannot easily chart this. Moreover, you have to assume that pilot skills are always equal or any conclusions drawn will be faulty.
After being out of the game for about a year and a half, I felt like I want to play again. However, I didn't want to deal with the things I dealt with every day as a long-time Trainer. I wanted to enjoy myself without any expectations. After being back fore perhaps a week, events led me to join Sunbat in the DA. We were both flying shade accounts. We identified ourselves and had a laugh. I really needed a good workout, because I could see how my skills had deteriorated. Sunbat suggested we fly aircraft that covered the gamut from turn fighters, through the late-war beasts. He suggested the 190s and the K4. Even when I was flying daily, it was a rare event if I flew a 109K4. I preferred the G2. Still, I was in agreement with Sunbat that flying "uncomfortable" fighters was better for sharpening dull skills. I had a blast. It took a few duels to begin to get traction, but lose or win, it was great to be hunting for the edge again. Sunbat was generous and kind (I'm sure he'll hate for me to say that on the BBS
). Now, four months later, I feel as if I'm at least back at the level I was at when I took the break. That's largely the result of having the opportunity to fight against some of this generation's best sticks. You'll never rise above the level of the competition you select, so if you want to improve, go find the best players and learn by doing.
That hasn't changed. I've been playing for about 10 years (including the break period). A new generation comes in about every two or three years. As a noob, I had to contend with the likes of Lev and Drex. They were among the best of their generation, as good as the current crew. I spent many hours dueling with Nomak, Urchin, Dedalos and dozens whose names I forget. I learned, and polished my skills. Each generation has its outstanding pilots. Some have little tricks they use in their favorite ride (but these generally only work once, if at all). The fact is that very little separates the top tier sticks, regardless of generation. It usually comes down to who makes the first error. Trust me on this, I've seen them all at one point or another.
That's one advantage of dueling... You know exactly what you are dealing with. In contrast, the MA provides for the unexpected from time to time. Last tour, I encountered a P-51 will flying a P-38. I made a lazy reverse, expecting the guy to either run or do something dumb. Well, I was more than wrong. It was Banshee5, an old dueling partner from a few years ago. He's very good 1v1, and I found myself at an immediate disadvantage. A seemingly minor snap shot resulted in a pilot wound and it was downhill from there. That was a not-so-gentle reminder not to take any enemy fighter lightly.
I think that it's important to respect every generation of player, from noobs to top tier. If for no other reason, that like gunfighters, sooner or later you'll run across someone, who on that day, was simply better.
