i'm not through my first year yet, but have had a similar training path. Started out just wanted to hear the guns go pew! pew! and keep my aircraft in the air. This transitioned quickly into, DIE you AI circling scum!
Once I was confident against the offline AI, (of which killed me a few times, at least the abrupt stop at the ground when I lost control of my aircraft did). I signed in.
Now what, which arena do I goto? Training arena? Nobody home. Alright, lets jump into the arena with players in it already (LWMA). This was a horrible and exciting eye opener for me.... I still remember thinking a friendly was an enemy and that person politely (as all AH players are..
) letting me that my tracers rounds whipping by him were not appreciated. I didn't hit the guy but scared him a little.
After many a death without even understanding the most basic ACM principles, I decided that bombers MUST be easier to fly. I found them to be a comfort, especially once I became more accustomed to the vox and communication system. I slowly learned to put the fear of the .50 cal into arrogant fighter jocks. I shadowed 999000 and learned a few more tips & tricks to lay lead on the enemy.
I found that the player base is the single best tool for growing in this game. Weather it be training information or little known dot commands, ask a player in game and 9/10 you will get a response that is usable. One of the biggest things thus far has been stick to an aircraft you feel comfortable in and try to learn it's limitations and advantages. The ol' B-17 and P-47M were my starter aircraft. I like many other WWII enthiusiasts get giddy like a kid when talking about the P-51D, but in game, i found the P-47M to be more stable.
At any rate, Aces High is worth it's weight in sweat from my palm when you get those 1on1 that last seemingly forever with little indication as to who has the advantage. I had a fight with a Yak yesterday that I couldn't believe the maneuvers that were exectued; KooniKat, you sir can make your Yak float. wtf. I'd be more upset, but I didn't get film and I had my chances so.....
To new players - Simply put in the hours, you'll get better quicker than you think