On that CV mission--we're in the same squad (original FTs) so he was able to see me that way (orange dot on AWAC). Also, I didn't fly that whole sortie without shooting at anything. I took out a N1k that was focused on shooting down the B-26, then chased away a P-51. (the 51 shot down the 26--after the CV was sunk)
Also, the 262 does alright mixing it up in furballs. Just come in fast. The other planes are so busy turning, zooming or whatever, that you rarely have to avoid a HO, but can usually line up on one of the furballin' planes, who probably thinks you're a 202 when he's scanning for threats, and miscalculates your closure rate. If you miss, just extend away from the furball, then come back to try again. Just don't get suckered into losing so much of your airspeed that you become a sitting duck for any enemy planes that might have some alt on you.