Back to the original point. Is it really the the best flight model in AH that is the selling point for a player to chose this one over something else? Would a new player looking for a game with planes really choose AH due to the flight model? When others have more instantaneous action or more detailed systems simulation?
AH (with subscription) seems to be the one best (practically only since WB arenas are empty) choice for 24h persistent arena game play (scenarios not being a selling point for new players). For other forms of entertainment there seem to be alternatives.
(Since seeing that it is only the negative elevator limit that is weird it might simply be a bug? Or a kind of short-cut to limit negative aoa by limiting the pilots ability to push?)
No. It's pretty good, but best? That's at least debatable, although I can't think of one I like better off the top of my head either. I have problems with just about any game's/sim's flight model out there though, including the most expensive full motion simulators money can buy. Code does its best to replicate flight characteristics but there are so many variables that perfection is elusive.
I HAVE recommended students fly AH because it has a decent "feel" to it away from the edges of the envelope.
I'm not here for the FM. That can be adapted to. It's the persistent open-world environment that I like where everyone is essentially equally able to achieve success. No participation trophies.