I realise that most of my problems are down to poor decision making in the first place, ie getting into fights that I will struggle to
stay alive in.
SA is pretty important in the MA if your thinking about returning home safely. So you have answered your own question there.
The key to adding more kills per run is to convert evasives into kills, the BnZing ponies / 190's etc etc. With the slowish top speed / fragile wings and low fuel capacity compared with other rides. Most of my additional kills come from baiting the enemy. Give them the advantage and encourage them to attack by flying lower and level. Let them get within shooting distance 800 odd and then bust some reversals, if they continue turning with you they are dead.
In a Co-E 1 on 1 you can defeat anyone.
Be aggressive against planes you have sound advantages over that are prepared to stick around and fight you. Other spits, 109's, f4u's, niki's, la's etc.
Gunnery I usually take shots between 300-200 with my cannon. Usually deflection shots in the turn whilst gaining on the enemy con. Avoid taking rear 6 shots on faster cons above 400. Spray the 303's see if you can get them turning.
Have a wingman this game is 10 times easier with one