Ack-ack, Bnz, to me it is not the planes performance in question. It is that at 9k-12k, you are very likely to run into several 109s, 51sand 190s at 15k-20k. Lower than 9k the high alt people usually either want come down or the long approach is easy to avoid. At 15k and up you are at least nose level some of the time.
I always go to where the action is so the red concentration can be thick.
Thats more of how
you fight the fight than anything else. Me, I like to come in at 10-12k. Higher guys are just something to keep in mind while I concentrate on the targets I'm looking at. During my attacks I keep an eye on the pickers on their perch. If they dive in I avoid their run and continue my attacks. If the pickers pushes the issue HE becomes my target.
In the few times I've flow in the same area with you you seem to lose SA, or lets say become target fixated to the point you end up with 2 or 3 on you. In a furbal ducking and dodging are what you are doing most of the time with quick shots at bad guys intermixed.
I prefer the J model for both fighting and bombing. The trick is to be able to give up the bombs on a moments notice. If your more worried about getting the bombs to target your going to get shot down a LOT, and most likely NOT get them there anyway. Screw the mission profile! You can help your team by shooting down pickers so the rest of your team CAN get in. Getting hammered with bombs isn't helping all that much anyway right?
SA, switching gears (divebomber vs fighter) mid flight, and not getting fixated on a target are all things that make flying any plane but the 38 a bit more, a fun plane to fly.