I disagree with this, there used to be plenty of 51 sticks who could give a k4 a run for its money but they all seem to have disappeared 
what gives?
I was posting on the subject of dora vs spixteen. A pony can definately hold its own against k4. you just have to be smart and know when to disengage and reset the fight. While it may able to make a few turns, extended fights are not advised, but that is very general. You'd have to use your own judgment on whether you can press the attack, or need to reset. To winfrom a typical merge requires either a very e-managing merge, or an extremely tight merge using the high-speed flaps. Generally, the latter is more easily defeated by the k4, as all he has to do is match or roughly match your turn, as he can gain E much faster than a 51. The former, on the other hand usually results in a necesarry E advantage, as the 51 has a better zoom climb, atleast from my experiences. You have to be pretty fast converting said E into angles though, as the E states will ultimately be evened out, at which point it is advised to reset and try again. Being patient is key. I've had the pleasure of fighting plenty of very good K4 sticks, and this tactic fairs very well for the most part.
