I've given a valid argument that you simply ignored. But here it is, super simple:
The F4U-1C is perked.
The XVI is as good as the F4U-1C.
Aircraft of similar performance should both be perked, or not perked (fairness principle)
Therefore the XVI should be perked, or the F4U-1C should be unperked.
QED.
The F4U-1c can launch from a CV.
The F4U-1c can carry @ 2,500lbs worth of ord.
The F4U-1c has the best guns setup in the game.
The F4U-1c has plenty of ammo for said guns.
The F4U-1c has the option of two drop tanks giving it a good range.
The F4U-1c is as fast or faster than the Spitfire Mk.XVI
The F4U-1c will turn with the Spitfire Mk.XVI with flaps out.
The F4U-1c handles better at stall speeds than the Spitfire Mk.XVI
The Spitfire Mk.XVI climbs better than the F4U-1c.
The Spitfire Mk.XVI will out accelerate the F4U-1c.
The Spitfire Mk.XVI turns better without flaps.
Looking at the above list, I don't see the Spitfire Mk.XVI being "as good" as the F4U-1c. Not even close.
The Chog is a monster. The Mk.XVI is just "good".
And perking the XVI does *not* mean the VIII has to be perked. The VIII's sluggish rate of roll, especially at high speeds, by itself presents a notable exploitable weakness that does not exist with the XVI.
Spitfire Mk.XVI has a better roll rate.
Spitfire Mk.XVI carries more ord.
Spitfire Mk.VIII turns/handles better at low speed.
Spitfire Mk.VIII has longer legs.
Those two offset each other in my opinion so in MY mind, they are indeed very similar/balanced.
I would count the longer legs of the VIII as much more important than the bomb carrying capacity. If you are using a Spitfire as a bomb hauler, you are using it wrong. I also value the low speed handling of the 8 as equal to, or more important than the roll of the 16. When in a spit you will be fighting slow more than you are rolling fast. (for me)
The ONLY argument for the Spitfire Mk.XVI's superiority is the two .50 cal's vs. four .303's machine guns.
I personally don't see it as a huge advantage. If I only use mg ammo in both planes, I tend to only be able to get 2 or so with either. With the smaller ammo loadout on the 16 you tend to run out of mg's @ when you run out of cannons.
In the 8 when I run out of cannons, I at least have some .303's left for my ride home in case I get into a fight and are usually good for one more kill (or 2).
The strength and weaknesses of the 16 vs. 8 are very balanced. If you perk one, you would have to perk the other.
I prefer the VIII over the 16. Always have. When I am flying a Spit I am going to be slow and turning and the 8 is just superiour in a knife fight. I also don't like the limited range of the 16, so if I fly one, it is usually defending. For attacking I will take the 8.