Nutshell:
Newbs = Fly high, fly fast, run and re-engage, zero understanding of E states, angles, gunnery (trying to stay alive with little or no ACM help or time in-game to practice it)
Sophomores (9 months to 2 years) = Have gotten very proficient at 3 a/c and understand clearly those a/c characteristics. Still lose to lesser planes with better pilots because their ACM is still very basic
Juniors (2 years to 3 years) = Understand some advanced ACM, understand how to use it in 3-7 different a/c. Can stay alive for suprisingly longer periods in multi-con engagements
Seniors (3 years to 6 years) = Excellent understanding of most ACM, E states can be judged proficiently, lots of experience running 7+ a/c, win engagements against superior a/c regularly, hold their own in multi-con engagements
Experts (6+ years) = ACM is second nature, regularly turn disadadvantage into advantage and win the engagement, aerial gunnery in excess of 12%, rarely misjudge opponents E state, experts in 15+ a/c, PURPOSELY CHOOSE LESS CAPABLE PLANES FOR THE CHALLENGE and still win engagements, clearly understand that 1 v 1's occur at a decision-tempo much different than typical MA engagements, complete understanding of the difference between "angles" and "E" fighting and can move fluidly between those states of flight/fight under duress.
These are my personal definitions based on conversations with folks that have played in these demographics. They are up for discussion but again, they're just my opinion and that's worth what you paid for it. The reason I bothered with it is because its up to the older guys to teach the frustrated, dying newbs something. If we didn't have someone help us (Ghosth, Rowdy1, Davski, TA57x, Revernd, Dodger, Krupnski, JunkyII, Corky, MugZ, Morfiend, Bunnies (Ardy123), Squat, Waystin2 *countless, countless, countless phone calls to him*, Sunbat <---taught controlled aggression, Grizz <---taught vision, SERaider, SunsFan, Agent360, Bighorn <-----REAL DEAL, Batfink<----my first every dueling bracket opponent who could have ended our fight in less than two turns but "let" me stay in it for 7 minutes to LEARN something then stayed afterword for 2 HOURS to help me. More recently, Lazer, Scotch, SkyRock <----I mouthed off to him in the DA once and when we 1 v 1'd he CRUSHED me over and over and over....then, helped me for 2 hours.
We can complain about how things are forever and I promise they'll never change. However, if you see someone flying like a turd, tell them why and offer some help. They probably won't want it then...but they'll come back to ya. I did...and there isn't a bigger love muffintic pile it out there!!
. Every one of those guys helped me...and I still suck but they did it anyway.
Who did you help today?