i didn't see you ask a question Pand. i've been playing the game at least 2 or 3 times a week for the past 7 or 8 weeks, and those "flight model updates" were not noticeable at least in arcade and historical modes. and no i haven't played frb since the last update.
pay to win is absolutely the model, just like every other free play mmo out there. you can buy your way to victory, just look at the "extras" that can be had and it's as plain as the nose on your face. the fact that you're winning fights in frb mode against the pay to win planes says a lot about either the caliber of players there and/or the flight models. take your pick.
There is a reduced flight model for reduced realism modes. Fly FRB for a week, actually score a kill, and I'm sure your tune will change. I absolutely HATE and will never fly in Arcade or Historical Battles. It is exactly as you described, garbage! FRB however is a whole different ballgame.
In FRB there is the element of surprise, so it doesn't matter what handful of planes the enemy has paid for. There is no icon in FRB flashing miles away indicating someone is coming after you, you must rely on your SA and ACM to win.
I'm not here to argue, but merely stating my experience--- fly the right mode for the caliber of player that you are. What's your name over there ?