I've been reading this thread since the OP when no one had replied yet. I, as with many others, rolled my eyes but I bit my tounge and walked away. After all, each player should be allowed to express their views, right or wrong.
I finally feel a need to post.
If you really want to improve your fighter rank (or bomber, vehicle or attack ranks) then the single best thing you can do is to improve the statistic within that rank that you're worst at, be it K/D, K/S, K/T, hit%, kill points, damage points, field captures or whatever else it could be. Improving that one worst stat will have the single largest effect on your rank.
Several years ago I played regularily for score/rank, normally ending tours in the top 50 overall and sometimes top 10. This was the method I used. I figured at the start if I could be top 1000 in every stat I had a chance. Later I refined that to top 500. If you can be top 500 in every single statitsical category you'll be a top 10 AH player.
No other shortcuts will get you there because, as others have pointed out, being the best in one or two areas doesn't cut it. I've been near the top in several individual stats in the past but failed miserably attaining overall rank in that category. You have to attain proficiency and balance in your overall gameplay.
I no longer play for score or rank. I now play simply for fun and do things I would have, at that time, thought stupid. I have more fun now but I'm glad I went through that phase in my time here.
I also went through a phase where I flew every fighter/attack plane available until I had a 2:1 K/D ratio in it for the tour (month). If you really want to be a better fighter pilot try that. You'll learn the strengths and weaknesses of every aircraft and be able to utilize that knowledge in a fight.
I know this is a long post so I'll get off my soapbox. I only hope I've helped someone find a new way to have fun in the game.