Avoiding the HO is the best ACM maneuver you can make. It A. Sets you up for a merge tactic to gain the advantage of your opponent, B. Prevents you from dying 85% of the time.
(Made up Stat but probably close). C. Prevents a collision, D. Saves ammo, E. Helps you keep E better. And on and on. HOing should be a last ditch effort if absolutely have to in 1v1 or 1v2+ situation. Generally you are both closing your eyes praying at that point your bullets hit first. Many times, especially in large furball situations, it's impervious your shoot front quarter shots and planes flying above you but at your 12 that might not see you. The goal is to damage the enemy at all costs to help your teammates. Even in furballs, if you know the guy is going to be directly head on with you, it's best to duck and dip at all costs to avoid it while trying to set up an emmilman or extend depending on the situation. Sometimes doing an emmilman in a furball isn't the best choice as going up like that can make your vulnerable to pickers. The chances you will come out alive or un damaged are extremely slim if you try to HO. Best to dodge it come out alive and plan a different attack on the opponent.