AKdogg it depends on the tactics used but you are right the escorts jobs is to disrupt and drive off the attackers. They want to tie them down to either not be able to make a run or only get one good pass.
The attackers need to apply tactics to deal with escorts to clear a way for others to hit the buffs. One way to do this is to send in flights from different directions. First group dives in and hopefully sucks the escorts to them while others still wait. If the escorts show bad discipline then the first wave can suck them away and out of position clearing the wave for a different wave to come in.
But really it will all come down to a bunch of variables ... discipline of the escorts, tactics of the attackers, etc. The wild cards are the firepower of the B29 and its durability, the rest is the same equation that attackers, escorts, and defenders deal with all the time. The increase speed of the B29 means that the Japanese can not get sloppy. Not only do the escorts need to not lose sight of the buffs but also the defenders do now. No tangling with escorts or just trying to kill them first and then wondering where the bombers are later and assuming you can find them again. While the Ki84 and N1K2 can catch up if they have not blown their speed, the greater speed of the B29 means there is a greater area they have to search to re-acquire the B29 if they lose sight of them.
If the Japanese CiCs plan accordingly the defending planes for the B29 targets should have alt on the buffs. On the escorts is questionable and there are to many variables really to predict there. However, this is the case with any bomber force. The Japanese need to effectively deal with the escorts and not blow their E or alt when attacking the buffs.
The A6M5 will generally be ineffective against the B29s but the CiC can make sure not to put them up against them. Simply don't assign them as defenders for the B29 strike areas. I would also not assign Ki61s to that role either since as stated if they get tied down by the escorts or blow their E they will have an almost small chance of re-acquiring the buffs before target.
