It's ok, thanks for at least trying to help out. I tend to learn pretty quickly and like FLS said, I do my research, but I think it's between the P38, 190D9, and 109K. Like I said, the only thing I don't like about the P38 is that you can't really run from a fight that is going bad and you can't chase down people that are running (which is 90% of the people in MA). A lot of times people will just BnZ one or two times or HO one or two times than simply dive to the deck and run back home.
The runners can be frustrating, but only if you allow them to frustrate you. One trick in a P38 is to get them to fight your fight. Play opossum, give up your six, make them turn with you. Use their speed against them.
Another thing, which comes with some time, is learning who you're fighting. What squad is in that area. Some will just run. Some will fight. You'll eventually find that there are a lot of folks who will turn their 51's, 190's, 205's, 47's, etc. with you and give you a really good fight, and not just resort to BnZ tactics.
Unfortunately, it sounds like you've been experiencing the runners more than the fighters, and you have two options: get into a plane that can chase them down or find another area and see if you'll get some people looking to fight.
The P38 is certainly no dragster, so getting out of trouble can be tough, but it's got some top end once moving.
Btw, besides those planes you listed, have you tried the 190A5? That's a really fun plane to fight and get down and dirty in.