1. It takes 2 to HO
2. A front quarter shot isn’t a HO.
3. Anything past the merge is fair game.
So unless you have a gun solution on the other guy as well it isn’t a HO.
To some of us we play the game to fight in fighters. Out maneuver the other guy to get him into a position where he doesnt have a shot, but you do. It takes skill and a bit of thought.
It only takes one to HO..... to those that want to fight, you dont fire on a head on merge, you maneuver.
A front quarter shot isnt a HO.... To those that want to fight, a front quarter shot is a HO as even if off line a hard kick of the rudder is a HO.
Anything past the merge is fair game.... to those that want a fight, no it is not.
To me I have always loved this game because of the fight. After all these years I would have hope to be much better but I dont put in the time some other guys do, and after all "Practice makes perfect". It is the biggest reason I wont bother with jets in those other games.
To others, a HO is how they play the game. They are more interested in the kill count than the thrill of the fight. And there is nothing wrong with that, much the same as those that prefer the base grabs and win the war action. Its what make this game so much better than all the others..... options.