I certainly recognize that pilots will tend to be biased -- frequently VERY biased -- in favour or disfavour of the plane type they flew. On balance, to a degree, Spitfire pilots also noted with honesty how the Spitfire Mark V was outclassed by the FW 190, and how they also sincerely believed the subsequent Spitfire Mark IX evened things up.
I am not quick to discount anecdotal references by pilots who actually flew the aircraft in combat as utterly worthless. By definition, if something, even a subjective opinion, is not utterly worthless....then there HAS to be SOME worth to a firsthand observation or impression. Whether they were confident in their aircraft or disdainful of it, there's gotta be a reason other than some empty-headed conviction. Charts, graphs, and highlighted documents are wonderful, until you find yourself at 20 angels and virtual cannon shells are ripping through your virtual cockpit.
So, I read through the many, many accounts written by pilots of both sides to get an overall impression before relying exclusively on what the charts say. This is the EXACT reason ALL meteorologists look out the window before going home for the day to see if they need an umbrella.
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