I find epic struggles against long odds very appealing, classic underdog. Thus the F4F Wildcat during Guadalcanal days, out numbered and out matched against the Zero and Betty bombers, yet prevailing. Or the Spit during Battle of Britain days. Clearly the Me-109 and Fw-190 series against America daylight raiding during 1943 and 1944.
As for pilots and leaders, my hero is Commander (retired as a Captain) David McCampbell leading CAG-15 off the USS Essex. Highest scoring Navy ace of all time, 34 confirmed kills. In one hop he killed 9 Japanese planes. He flew the venerable F6F Hellcat and made it look easy. I loved his book, McCampbells Heros and his leadership. This was part of the great Naval raids where 200+ Hellcats would decimate a Japanese field or harbor and end all resistence within minutes. I love squad tactics.
Modern day aircraft, you have two types: The F-14D and everything else is target practice. Not the best pure dogfighter but in the hands of a skilled Division (four planes) they would trash anything that flew. Everything else is cheap theatrics.
Gauntlet thrown down...
Boo