Over the years the perk rating for rides have been changed, why not again...
P-51D - 3-4 perkies
LA7 5-6 perkies
51D:
many will say "the 51D isnt that good of a ride, there is no reason to perk it!!"
which is true.. considering how many noobs fly them, when i see 51D i usually consider it easy meat.. and there in lies the reason to perk it.. it may not be overly lethal, but it its way to commin (IMO), adding a minor perk value will perhaps dissuade new folks from immediatly going straight to the "best fighter of WWII" and may, just may, encourage them to explore the rest of the plane set.
LA7:
2 reasons,
1: same a the 51.. its everywhere.. but secondly it IS a overly lethal plane, too much so for being totally free at least.. it
its about the fastest non-perked ride in the game.. which in and of itself is not enough reason, but it also accelerates like a bullit, and climbs like the space shuttle, and as if thats not enough, it packs firepower that is outstripped only by the hizooka equipped birds, and at speeds above 250 can turn with most anything in the game.. and if it cant out turn it, it can out accelerate, out climb, and out run it... ESPECIALLY at the alts at which most MA battles occur.
about the only thing NOT "uber" on the plane is its range... most planes would get farther with multiple fuel leaks. well the guns are kinda inaccurate at great range.. but with superior speed, climb, and turning that point is kinda moot, the shots will be there.
anywho, thats my "wish list"