The fastest way of combat, very common in AH, is two planes flying at eachother, both firing their guns, usually one or two of them going down. The better fights last 30 seconds. In extremely rare cases it can take 15 minutes - till the fuel modifier makes one plane run out of fuel. Climbing to combat alt is usually reached at the enemie's rear fields with half the fuel gone.
AH is a funny game, not a simulation. Everyone plays by his own rules (only restricted by very few build in limitations). Although there is, according to the manual, a common goal for all - winning the war. On the other hand scoring does not reward playing to reach that goal.
Imagine your favourite board games, each player at the same table playing a different one. And the one who scores most penalty kicks wins.
A common understanding of what it is is needed. Some things don't fit into the same arena. And there's no way to enforce non-suicidal behaviour (except a limitation of lives, e.g. 1 live/2 hrs, which for obvious reasons is no option for the MA).
