I used pedals in AW3, but something was lost in the transition to AH (or more likely wasn't as easily done as it is now) and I went i went with the MS FFB2 twisty, putting the pedals aside.
For years in AH I've used the twisty - my gunnery has always been on the mediocre side. I've always dealt with a nose bounce/wobbly nose for fine adjustments and I've had years of messing with scaling settings etc.
NOW.... I have a MS FFB2 again and the twisty function failed... "forcing" me to get some pedals (the latest TM pedals) and I'm getting used to them again. I immediately noticed a much better ability to rudder kick some crossing shots, but am still dealing with over controlling them at times. This will abate as I get used to them. The setup in game was seamless at this point.
I'll join the bandwagon saying pedals can make a difference. Maybe this lack is why some pilots prefer jousting in fast planes.
Rudder input, whether twisty or pedals (no idea if keyboarding it is even practical) goes a long way in making flying, fighting and shooting somewhat hopefully "easier."