I use my rudder much like the stick, the more stick input, the more rudder. I also think that I use the rudder more going "nose low" that when I go "nose high". Whether that is right or not, I'm not sure I do know you could have been a bit more aggressive in all of those fights, but that's me. I go and fight in a 4 on 1, and the only thought I have of leaving the battle is when my plane is all busted up and all 4 enemy are down, THEN it's time to head for home While that doesn't happen much, its the way I fly.
In a duel like that more often than not your going all out, you "shouldn't" have to worry about someone else jumping in so there should be no defensive thoughts, just push him to your shot then take it. You looked like you just kinda followed him around until he made a mistake.
when i was flying in the ta the other night, i delibretly let myself get sucked into slow fights. i was in p38j vs spit16. i did this, as i;ve seen others in the 38 turn with them, and out turn them. i found myself having to be much more careful with my rudder at such low speeds, especially with my nose pointed up. it also did wonders keeping my speed from increasing when i was nose low.
i found myself in spins on multiple occasions, but somewhat easily recovered them.
in a couple of the fights, i don't know what the hell i or he was doing, but he was in the top of my screen in the forward/up view. in this part, very light stick movement for roll, and very heavy rudder seemed to be what kept him there, and then allowed me to pull around a slight bit better.
this is why i've been going there lately. i get the time to practice, and learn, from/with some great sticks, and there is no way of anyone interfering. when asked, if i can help,. i gladly do too..........
i did ok in the single engine planes with a twisty stick.....but for the 38....definitely pedals are the way to go.
ZAP....me night job just called......i'll be later...probablyu around 11pm eastern before i can get in there.....or thursday night around 8 or 9ish............