In same time you can fly in bombers group around CV for hours w/o any significant damage (leave alone manned guns). Paradox, isnt it?
Seems to be far more hazardous now. But yes, in the past, there have been many times I flew bombers overhead of them, at 10,000', and never took a scratch. Even now I sometimes dive into one, an undamaged group, to 3,000' and emerge in one piece. But not often.
If AH wanted to build the vicissitudes of dive bombing into the game I think they hit it spot on. CVs are one of the most dangerous, but the most dangerous are the Large airfields. This, mind you, for when you are attacking alone. Its not so bad if you are just dropping bombs but if you want to get into rocket range then good luck. Your best chance is in staying as vertical as possible. Thats why I dive bomb CVs almost straight down, starting off upside down, looking down, until I have it centered. And even then you can take a beating. I dont take heavy bomber groups after CVs anymore. I'd rather the thing plays out with Jabos.
The closer you actually come to the CV the worse the ack gets. We got some guys in the game that are murder with those 5" guns.
If I remember right the proximity fuses of WW-ll were set at the lethal range of the shell. More like 70 yards then feet.