MANDOBLE,
You might as well apply it to me as well, as I too find DMF's statement very accurate.
Tell me, what do you find the AH Fw190D-9 is like? You seem to find it quite different than most of us.
About the poor K/D ratio of the Spitfire Mk XIV. I knew this would happen if it had a perk icon. It can't run from too many things, if it meets an La-7 and a Spit V it is in serious trouble. The same is true for a Fw190D-9 and A6M5b or Typhoon and Hurricane Mk IIc, ect, ect. At the combat altitudes in AH the Spitfire Mk XIV has a lot of trouble climbing away from fast enemies even though it has a stellar climb rate. Now, all this is true of the F4U-1C, except even worse. What is the difference that allows the F4U-1C to obtain a better K/D ratio than the Spitfire Mk XIV? Simple, the icon. F4U-1C's don't call a gangbang onto themselves. Because of that F4U-1Cs can use their superior capabilities (that got them perked) without having their significant shortcomings exploited enmasse.
Another thin about the Spitfire Mk XIV. Look at these charts:


The speed is pretty good, not top line until it gets way up there, and the climb is fantastic. Now look at the MIL lines only. Suddenly it doesn't look so hot, does it? The Spitfire Mk XIV only has 5 minutes of WEP and it gets all of what makes it perk worthy from those five minutes. Once that has run out it is totaly screwed. The Luftwaffe piston aircraft that are perked or top end free have 15 minutes of WEP, and don't lose as much when it runs out.
Clearly the Spitfire Mk XIV needs to be perked. If it weren't it would swamp the MA. I also don't think that the Fw190D-9, Bf109G-`0 or P-51D should be perked. They're fine as is.
However, the Spitfire Mk XIV doesn't justifiy the price that is currently attached to it. If the F4U-4, Spitfire Mk XIV and Ta152H-1 were labeled F4U, Spit and 190 the price would be justified, but with the perk icons the high price of the F4U-4 and Spitfire Mk XIV is simply too much.