I would say plenty are flying, but many of those are involved in base-taking operations. Having said that, there are still opportunities where furballs to develop between nearby opposing fields. These tend to be small scale, 4-5 planes per side, but can provide very enjoyable combat for as long as they last, which seem to be limited to how often the defeated pilots are willing to re-up and throw themselves into the fight again. I'm usually good for 3-4 rinse and repeats myself.
I have been able to find fun in doing almost everything AH provides - GVing, fighter sweeps and ground attack, level bombing, base resupply (love using the bare metal C-47 skin for cargo delivery). One thing I still do not have a handle on is shore bombardment from ship's batteries.
For me, the worst aspect of the game is night-time, and the low-angle sun after 5pm and up until 9 or 10 am game time. I tend to log off and take a break at those times because its hard on my eyes.
The Typhoon is more popular than it used to be - even more so than the Tempest. And some pilots I've encountered fly it extremely well.
And the F6F seems to be enjoying a resurgence - I see the Hellcat much more often than I used to.
If you miss the game, it might be time to dust off the controllers and come back. Everything you loved about it is still here and waiting for you!