The yak9u is a better overall plane.
For experienced pilots. Which is the biggest problem most of us here on the boards have. We are a very small subset of the community, often very skilled in a particular area, or just in general, with years or decades of experience.
Our experience in the game is vastly different from the average stick. Most players struggle to consistently land, or even make kills. And as much as we may not like it at times, the game needs to be geared towards the average pilot, or the game will continue with population problems.
The fact is that, for how most players experience the fighter aspect of the game (find a fight, up from the nearest field, and attempt to engage contacts until dying) , the Yak 3 is a very accessible and easy fighter relative to much of the plane set.
It is very nimble and highly responsive in all control axes through a relatively wide speed band. It is fast, and has a stellar climb rate (and thus acceleration as well). It has top notch views (something most struggle with when starting). It is a small target, which is even better than durability for a new player, as they're going to give up a LOT of shots. And the limited ammunition doesn't really matter, because frankly they're not going to get many shots of their own, and statistically will die after their first kill if they even get that far.
Should it be perked? Probably not. It's one of those planes that's right on the edge, but doesn't quite make it. If anything, it would be a 1-2 perk ride, simply to prevent people using it as a suicide sled, and thats on the extreme end of things.
However anyone implying mediocrity is simply not being honest. With themselves or with anyone else.
